The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season IX

[Byrd Man]

The Cave


"In a nutshell, you were poisoned by Ra's Al Ghul and Talia, and then they kidnapped Damian for their own diabolical purposes?"

I pull myself up from the table and nod my head at Tim.

"That's pretty good nutshelling."

"What do you think he has planned for Damian?"

"From the way Ra's talked, it involves his never-ending plot to stay immortal."

I push off from the table and stand up on my wobbly legs. The anti-venom is working, but it's going slower than I would like. Tim steps over to catch me in case I lose my balance I wave him off and hobble forwards towards my gear.

"They're probably out of the country by now, on their way to the League's Asian stronghold."

"Slow down, Bruce," Tim says as he gives chase. "You nearly died twenty minutes ago. I know how you are, but at least take a short breather before we head out to Asia."

"We?"

"You didn't think I'd let you go take on the League of Assassins all by yourself, did you? Damian is a jerk, he's a brat, and he's very, very annoying....but he grows on you. I'd rather have him on our side than theirs any day."

I bow my head to keep Tim from seeing the smile plastered on my face.

"Bruce," Barbara's voice reverberates through the cave from the loudspeakers. "Are you alright? Alfred told me what happened."

"I'll live. While I have you here, I need you to track the GPS chip in Damian's tooth. See if Ra's or Talia were clever enough to disable it."

"I'm on it."

Barbara cuts the line and goes to work. I walk over to my equipment and start putting it back on

"GPS tracking chip in his tooth. How'd you get that one past Damian?"

"Accidentally knocked a tooth out when we were sparring a few weeks ago. I had it replaced with a few upgrades."

"You ever try to pull anything like that with me? I still got it?"

"It depends. Did you ever have that mole on your back removed."

Tim goes to speak, but stops when he sees the slight smirk on my face.

"Got a lock on Damian's location, or his tooth at least. Its...only a mile away from Wayne Manor and...getting closer."

Tim and I trade glances. He beats me to the punch

"They're coming this way."

"Tell Alfred and Rose they need to hide."

"Honestly, I don't think she'll listen. Hormones and all that. She might feel like fighting."

"We could certainly use a hand."

"Whoa. Big things happening, city wide!"

"What is it, what's going on?"

"Police scanners are going crazy. Attacks....from ninjas?"

The rest of the League. Ra's is trying to stretch my allies thin.

"They're invading the city. Tim, Rose, and I should be able to take care of whatever Ra's throws at us here. We're going to do what he wants us to do. Send everyone you can to help."

"Alright. Patching through to Dick, Batwoman, Huntress, the Birds of Prey, and anybody else in the network who happens to be in the city."

"Good. Batman out."

Barbara severs the connection and I pull my cape and cowl on, turning to Tim.

"Let's go."
​

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Zachary Zatara

I know I complain about pulling Titan-duty, but it's these quiet moments in between crises when you realize...life is kind of boring.

I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm glad nobody's in danger. It's just that...a few years back I could've conjured up all the money, food and entertainment I wanted. Once I got into the world-saving, supervillain-punching business, all that other stuff became sort of....meh.

It's been a few days since the whole thing with people turning into animals and scantily clad Lady Lanterns showing up. And in those few days, not much has happened.

"I suppose I could help with that, Zachary."

The voice slips into my very soul like a knife. The moment I hear it the room suddenly becomes ice cold and it feels like all the hope has been drained from the world.

"Your room here in Titans Tower is awfully hedonistic."

"I like it."

"GUYS?!" I yell out, my thoughts immediately going to my teammates.

"Oh, no worries, Zachary. I'm just popping in for a quick visit." he smiles, grinning. "They'll never know I was here."

"What do you want, Neron?" I try my best to stand up to him, but he towers over me in every possibly way.

"Oh, come now. You know what I'm here for. Don't you remember?"

I do. A while back, members of the Dark Alliance had us Teen Titans trapped. We had absolutely no chance of escaping, we were all staring down the barrel of the Joker's gun. But suddenly time stopped and Neron appeared. He offered to 'rescue' us. I knew he'd be back one day but I agreed. I couldn't let my friends die.

"Now, about that favor you owe me..."


​

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel escorts Harley outside of the Diamond Exchange to the custody of the GCPD.

He says to the Police, "She's all yours ready to go back to Arkham. I made sure she's disarmed. "

One of the officers says, "Thanks a lot Captain Marvel."

He takes flight and heads back the city.

As he gets close to the business district something gets his attention. He sees...

A ninja? Holy Moley! Batman sure does have an interesting cadre of enemies. Time to get to it!

He dives towards a group of 8 taking on 2 overly matched police officers.

He flies through the middle of them taking out 4 of them. Marvel grabs them and ties a lamp post around them.

Marvel turns his attention to the remaining 4 and with the courage of Achilles asks, "Who's next?"

The remaining 4 of them launch towards him and Marvel steps aside with the speed of Mercury and grabs them by the back of their outfits.

Marvel says, "I have no idea what's going on but what you and your associates are doing threatens the citizens of this city, and now I will step in! This madness ends now!"

Marvel takes flight holding the other 4 and quickly encases them in an old fire escape which he perches ever so carefully on a rooftop.

Marvel says, "Any movement more than a few inches will cause this fire escape to fall. I suggest you don't move until the police arrive."

He then hurries to back into the city to continue the raging battle.

 

[sumowrestler]

All You Need is Love-Chapter 2
​

Miri and Carol sit in the audience of the Channel 7 interview of Dr. Lovecraft.

"Miri, you didn't need to come in uniform. I hoped that you would have picked some of the clothes that I bought for you over the past few days."

"I do appreciate all you have done, Sapphire Ferris. You let me stay with you and Hal's place while your husband was out on Green Lantern business. Hopefully he won't mind when he gets back. Thing of it is, even with our talks about the different kinds of love on this planet, I still feel the most comfortable in my Sapphire uniform."

"First of all, I doubt Hal would mind a guest especially one who travels as much as he does. Don't you get tired of all the stares you get when you walk down the street? Admittedly your Sapphire outfit isn't as revealng as the rest of ours and follows the Zamaron look closer then the rest. However, since your outfit isn't exactly normal, you still stand out."

"I was never one for fashion back on my homeworld and sometimes didn't know what look good on me. My skin tone isn't quite like what yours is so most of the outfits would look a bit off on me."

On the stage, the lights brighten as the lights on the crowd dim and a QUIET sign is lit.

"Welcome, Dr. Lovecraft, to Coast City. Your book "All You Need is Love" seems to have hit some cords with people across this nation. It is already in its second printing with it only been out two months. What do credit for such popularity of your book?"

"Thanks for having me here, Shelly. I honestly don't know why my book is so popular. Everyone needs love even if they don't know it or how to find it. My attempt in the book is trying to show people where to seek that love. One of the worst places to find this love and affection is in objects. Materialism is rampant in this country and yet objects fail us so many times."

"So if I remember right, you said in your book that it is better to seek love and affection from things that can give it back like pets or another human being. How did you come about your ranking for getting the love and affection?"

"Well, as I said, materialism is excluded for the reasons of objects can't return the love or affection. The bottom of the list, pets, can be very loyal and loving if treated correctly. The obvious limitation is they can show only so much in their limited way. Unless you are like Animal Man or some other super hero, you can't understand what the animals are saying. Next from the bottom comes family. This group loves you because it is expected and sometimes even demanded from others. Families are great but sometimes that forced love doesn't seem as genuine. Friends are the next rung on the ladder of love. They love and appreciate you in their own way that sometimes family can't. The love from friends can also be forced but if it is, usually the friendship dies. It is when love is freely given that it is the greatest. This is also a slightly different kind of love then family but in a way closer to what pets try to give. The greatest love that anyone can have is with a significant other. A romantic relationship provides some of the strongest bonds of love that anyone could ever expect to recieve and give. It takes great strife to break such a love and bond. Some would even say that the love they have for a dead husband or wife still supports them even years after their partner is gone. To me, that kind of love is what can conqeuor all things, the kind that is never ending.

"I noticed you didn't go into the religious aspect of things. Why did you avoid that sort of connection?"

"With what happen in the last few months with the so called 'god' Darkseid, it was both my and the editor's opinion to strip away any mention of that kind of relationship. The other concern is certain heroes like Superman or Captain Marvel seem like 'gods' and in some odd circles are probably worshiped even though we know that Superman is an alien. Personally, I've yet to see any 'god' show any kind of love or compassion or anything outside of its desire to destroy. If such a 'god' existed where it wanted to show love and compassion then it should have shown up back in the mess we had."

"Ok, do we have anyone in the audience who has a question for our guest?"

Miri stands up with arm fully stretched waving like she was trying to cool off anyone who is in front of her. Carol tries to pull her down by grabbing the tight shorts.

"Yes, the pink outfit woman who is waving frantically. Please step down to the microphone in front of the stands."

Miri floats up in the air and lands in front for the microphone. Carol face palms and shakes her head then drops her head into both hands trying to bury her head in them.

"Dr. Lovecraft, do you believe there is only one person out there in the cosmos for each person?"

"I'm not really sure about the whole cosmos but some people would say that there is only one person for them and in some cases they are waiting on that person. Others think there could be many people that would be a good match. What is disappointing to me is the divorce rate is so high that people think that if this relationship doesn't work that they just find someone else to try it with. As for me, I think there is that special unique person out there for each of us and sadly we sometime lose them before we are ready. I know that was the case for me and my husband. He was one of the many casualties when we got invaded by those Black Lanterns and Darkseid. I've dedicated my book to our relationship and in the process of setting up a fund for those who have lost everything in that attack. It been a few months but there are those who still are hurting and in need."

Miri starts to tear up and her ring glows very brightly. She instinctively flies up and onto the stage in front of Dr. Lovecraft to the surprise of everyone with the exception of Carol.

"There is one thing that you would consider an object that can express such a deep love that you would be overwhelm. It is the Star Sapphire on Zamaron. The rings of the Star Sapphire Corps, like mine here, has a very small portion of its power. I can restore the peace of love that you have for your husband. I sense the great loss you have for him."

Before anyone can do anything, Miri puts her ring hand on Dr. Lovecraft's head and violet energy washes over the doctor. After the energy disspates, Miri removes her hand with a huge smile on her face. Tears start streaming down Dr. Lovecraft's face.​

​

"Thank...you. I have forgotten what his love for me felt like. You have restored that and given me peace. Are you an angel of love sent by a 'god' who actually cares or something else?"

"All I did was reconnect the love that was already there. Thankfully it wasn't too far from the surface and all had to do is get the grief out of the way. As for me beng an angel, I'm a Star Sapphire and willing to teach you the way of the Sapphire."

"Ok, I think it is time for us to go to commercial."

The recording cameras go dark while Carol finds her way through the stands to talk to Miri.

"Miri, we can't offer such things to random people. I haven't seen a violet ring fly through the air to her finger. I think the Zamarons will try to limit their Earth exposure to the Corps and attempt to learn from their Oan counterparts."

"Not to interrupt you, Mrs Ferris-Jordan, but is your friend connected to the recently open gentleman's club that is called the Sapphire Club? Her outfit matches the color fairly well but what little this news station seen, the uniforms are much skimpier and closer to what the other aliens were with similar powers to your friend."

"Sapphire Club? A gentleman club? Star Sapphires would never demean themselves to that level. I'll admit the other outfit may lend better to that but by no means would that represent the Sapphires properly. Where is this club."

The anchorwoman grabs a pen and pad of paper. She jots down the address and hands it to Carol Ferris-Jordan.

"Miri, we have some official Sapphire business to take care. I doubt the Zamarons would appreciate such a hoax on this planet of what they stand for."

Carol grabs Miri's arm and starts to quickly leave the stage and area.​

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

The Curry Lighthouse
Maine

The family vacation still going without interruption, Mera starts to craft little sea creatures made out of hardwater for Kym to play with. The infant swipes at the water composed sea horses and and starfish that spin about, trying to catch them. Running around in the shallow water she eventually trips and falls onto her knees, crying.

"Oh no, not again."

Aquaman quickly tries to pick up baby Kym but her innate powers start to kick in and becomes composed entirely of water, becoming intangible and becoming one with the water. A small little maelstrom starts to form about her as she cries because of her booboo, and Mera creates a hardwater shield to cover her and her husband. As the water churns, Kym's uncanny powers causes a tidal to come crashing at the shore. Seconds pass, and one can easily hear the giggling of an infant child now splashing at the water; her tantrum done with.

"We are seriously going to have to figure out how to make the ocean child-proof. What's going to happy when she starts roaming the palace and bumps her head on the table? Haha."

"Her powers work like mine I suppose. Though different in nature entirely. I'll help her control her emotions as she becomes older which should in turn help her channel her powers. Isn't that right, my little princess?"

Baby Kym giggles as Mera picks up the child, raising her in the air and spinning about as she has hardwater spiraling from the surface of the water around them.


An Atlantean Colony

He was outnumbered.

However they were not prepared.

Perhaps he would've still prevailed.

Although, they are in fact a peaceful tribe of Atlanteans. A tribe of manta-humanoid like creatures. It is the third inhabited colony he has come across venturing from the South China Sea passing through several

"I am The Fisherman! What do I seek? Do you have it?"

Regardless, they fall victim to The Fisherman and his hunt. One of the few brave souls among the group of beaten and captured Atlanteans speaks up, answer the aquatic villain.

"We--we do not know what it is you seek. But it's not here. We are but a humble tribe, with no treasures or--"

"SILENCE!!"

Pulling out a sword from his sheath, The Fisherman stabs the one who spoke out loud to him in the shoulder. Blood starts to flow through the waters, and the Atlantean shrieks from the pain. Rather than scream and cry for their fallen friend, the others remain silent; fearing a similar fate.

"If you do not have it, then there is of no further use of you!"

Raising his sword and approaching the next victim of his, The Fisherman stops before continuing his onslaught and instead points at the victim with his blade. An idea comes to mind. He is but a stranger to some of these waters and locations of the other Atlantean cities and tribes so perhaps they could be of some small further use.

"You. I trust you savages are civilized enough to have a map?"

In pure terror and fright, the Atlantean nods.

"SHOW ME!"

 

[Catman_prb]

I arrive at the warehouse that Helena invited me to. This isn't a social call, I can tell by her voice over the comm, and by the fact that she wouldn't call me over to Gotham from Hub City for no reason. I get out of the pickup truck that I've been using recently, instantly drenched by the torrential rain. I don't know if it's the weather or the fact that I've been stuck in the truck for the last four hours, but I'm out of breath before I reach the side door. With my hair plastered down over the mask I knock on the side door. It opens slightly and I can see Helena's face looking out.

"What's up, doc?" I ask with a grin. Helena doesn't return it, merely opens the door and lets me in.

"He's in here," she says, wordlessly walking me to the closest corner. It's completely dark in here. I note the trail of dark stains, almost too dark to be blood, that leads from the door to where she's leading me. The corner is surrounded by net curtains, and I can see the shadow of a figure portrayed against the curtain by the candles inside.

"Helena, how about you tell me what's going on before I get suspicious,"

She doesn't even look at me, just draws the curtains aside. I must admit, this isn't what I was expecting. He looks pretty beat up, circuitry everywhere, costume ripped up all to shreds. But what gets me are the eyes. Usually they've got this raw hate, like you wouldn't believe. Now there's self-pity, sickness, and even a little bit of hope. I've only met him once or twice before. But I remember.

"Henshaw?"

"You came...thank you,"

Oh boy. I turn to Helena, my eyebrows raised under the mask. Hank Henshaw is...amongst other things a cosmically powerful enemy of Superman that we shouldn't even be looking at without bringing in the League. But that's not what surprises me about all this. Helena never really works within any rules but her own.

"Why does this guy not have an armour-piercing crossbow bolt through his forehead?" I ask, sticking my hands into my trenchcoat pockets.

She has the decency to blush beneath the domino mask.

"He...listen to what he has to say," she says, her eyes not meeting mine. My radars flashing, my alarm bells are ringing and my gander's up. I'm not quite sure what a gander is.

"What's he done?"

"Nothing,"

"You sure I don't need to kick his ass?"

"You're too over-protective, I've told you that before," she says, then thinks "Besides he's a superstrong cyborg that gives the Green Lanterns trouble. And besides that, I could kick his ass,"

I look at Henshaw, and I'm not entirely sure that she's joking. He looks run down, his skins pale and clammy, and he's having trouble breathing steadily. A lot of his hair, so similar to Superman's, has fallen out around his head. Simply put, he looks like I feel.

"I am dying," he rasps, his voice containing a slight tinny quality.

"I didn't think you could die? Tell me why I care exactly?"

"You shouldn't...I have come to help you, before I...move on..."

"Help me with what exactly? You don't look like you can stand, let alone help me move house!"

"I have come to tell you...you are all going to die..."

It's just going to be that kind of day, I can tell.

 

[Carnage27]

I float over Oa in a trance like state, reflecting over the past few months. Blackest Night has barely ended in the grand scope of things, and I've been taken up the past few weeks trying to clean up the mess it's made. I've only made it back to Oa a few days ago, but it's still relaxing to be back.

But my trance is broken by an announcement from my ring, "Honor Lantern Rayner, your presence is requested by the Guardians."

I sigh and say to myself, "No rest for the wicked, I guess." I point myself toward the home of the Green Lanterns, and head for a meeting with the esteemed Guardians, wondering what kind of mission they have for me this time.

Landing softly in front of the Guadrians, I'm immediately struck by the looks on their faces. Something big is up. That's for sure.

"Lantern Rayner," one begins, "a dire situation has been brought to our attention, and we have chosen you to deal with it. Two days ago the Sinestro Corps visited Oa to propose a truce in order to discover what or who has been killing Lanterns and stealing their power rings. You were aware of the rumors, I take it?"

"Whispers, nothing more," I nod. "But Sinestro offering a truce? That sounds like a trap if I've ever heard of one."

"We agree. But at this point in time we cannot deny his offer. Our numbers are thin enough as is," the Guardian continues. "Sinestro also asked that we send a representative to him so he can form a team to find this murderer and apprehend him. And after much deliberation, we have decided you should be the one to join him. You are our strongest warrior, and if he turns on you, you have the greatest chance of survival out of all the Lanterns."

I nod to the assembled group, "I understand. And don't worry, I'll take care of this. One way or another."

Without another word, I shoot off of Oa's surface and into the far reaches of space towards my date with the Sinestro Corps.

 

[Batman]

"Seriously, Cass, thanks for coming. I was going out of my mind with boredem."

Cassandra Cain - known around these streets as Batgirl - takes a drink of the latte that I purchased for her at the Starbucks across from Gotham General. I called her here to entertain me as I continue waiting for Batwoman to emerge from the recovery center at the clinic. That bullet wound probably made it necessary for at least some form of anesthesia, so I figured rather than keeping the sight of the new addition to the team looped up on painkillers to myself, I'd be courteous and share the moment with someone else. To be honest, I expected Tim to the first to answer my call, but I was fine with Cassandra. We don't really get the chance to talk much as it is - and to be honest, between Bruce's runabout with death, Damian's arrival, my engagement to Babs, and Tim expecting with Rose, I kind of feel like she's the odd one out in all of this. I mean sure, it's strange to consider all of us a family, and we're not exactly the most conventional one you'll ever meet. But we're still a family nonetheless.

In true ninja fashion, she barely makes eye contact with me as we cross the street and head towards the outpatient center. "Meditation helps."

'Ninja', being said with a capital N.

I shrug as we cross into the lobby. "Yeah, well, I'm sure it can. But sometimes, you need some form of human contact to keep yourself sane, right?"

"I suppose."

Sensing her tone, I raise an eyebrow. "You don't really sound like you agree."

"I do not."

I chuckle to myself. "Well, just try it out. Maybe you'll like it."

Realizing that this is getting nowhere, I shift focus and decide to check my phone. I'm sure everything's fine, but I can't help but worry about Barbara. She's a big girl and I'm positive that she gave Cheshire a run for her ultra-psychotic money, but it's different now. Mostly and especially because of the fact that for the first time, it actually seems like we have a future together after all of these years of what I can only kindly label as heavy flirtation. The craziness level in Gotham permitting, of course.

Deciding to play big brother again, I stuff the phone away in my jacket. Knowing Barb, she's probably already back to her Oracle duties. Infact, I'd bet both my life and any of The Batmobiles on it.

"So how've you been? Aside from the usual."

"Fighting."

"Right, that's the usual I was referring to. Aside from that."

"There is only fighting."

I pause. Is she being serious?

"C'mon, that can't be true. You have to have more going on than putting on the cape. Your social life, for instance. The people you know. What you're doing when you're not running around on the rooftops."

Cassandra looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language. My god, is that really all she's got? And here I thought that Bruce was obsessed, but she raises it to an entirely new level of isolated. Truth be told, the real reason I called her here was so that Batwoman had a ride back to wherever it is that she lives, so I could go back to check on Barbara. But I honestly think this is the first time in a long time that anyone's requested her presence for anything other than backup.

I really need to get her out on the town, maybe call up Roy and see if he's got any place to help get her to liven up. I can certainly sympathies - I've been where Cass is at, and it's not a fun place to be. You let it consume you long enough, and you're bound to get lost. I'm almost sure that it's the reason Batman and I never really got past our differences.

"Well, different strokes, I guess. As long as you're happy."

"Dick? Dick, it's Barbara. We have a situation."

Saved by the bell. Or at least, a certain bride-to-be ringing in my ears.

Pulling Cassandra aside so that we're both out of listening range, I tap the comm-link in my ear and answer. Didn't sound like she was calling to tell me how pretty I am. Which is unfortunate, because I just love hearing that.

"Go ahead, gorgeous."

"It's the League of Assassins. They're in Gotham. They've taken Damian and they're coming after Bruce as we speak."

My blood runs cold as I hear the name. It's bad enough we nearly lost Arkham tonight, not to mention what happened with the new Joker gang, but this is seriously bad news. These guys are never a walk in the part. What the hell are you up to, Ra's?

"I've got Cass with me right now. Where are the others?"

"I'm trying to reach them, but I don't think I'll have much luck. Bruce is with Tim, Rose, and Alfred at the Manor, Dinah's out of town, Helena won't answer her comm, and I very much doubt Batwoman's in any condition for this."

"Good guess. She's still getting that bullet removed. Probably won't be available for the rest of the night."

"That's not all. It seems there are randomized attacks happening all over Gotham right now, which means that we're understaffed and facing insurmountable odds."

"My kind of odds. I'll suit up and do what I can. Meanwhile, you get on the horn to anyone outside of the city that you can to lend support. Try the Titans, I'm sure Roy's not doing anything important."

"I'll try my best. But they're your friends, so they're bound to be difficult."

"Harsh. I'll have to warn them to stay away from the ole ball and chain."

"As long as I'm the only one chaining you down, Mr. Grayson, I think I can manage."

Tapping off the line with a smirk, I look back at Cassandra.

"Bring your work clothes?"

She nods. I indicate a nearby fire exit and we make a dash for it, heading into god knows what kind of chaos that Ra's has cooked up for us.

 

[Byrd Man]

Tim and I take the steps up into the manor where Alfred meets us at the cave entrance, shotgun in hand.

"Barbara says their almost here. I tried to encourage Miss Wilson to seek refuge in the cave, but she politely told me where I could put my shotgun."

"We ready to do this?" Rose asks from the top of the stairs. She pads down dressed in her Ravager suit, her expanded stomach sticking out.

"Rose, would you hold it against me if I told you that you looked hot right now?"

Rose eyes Tim and quickly removes her katana from its back holster. Alfred walks down the hallway and looks out the window. A bark comes from inside the mansion. We turn around to see a German Shepherd racing down the hallway.

"Alfred?"

"Apologies, Master Bruce, I was unable to inform you of my decision sooner."

The dog comes to a sliding stop and barks wildly.

"While we have the best security systems money can buy, I figured a low-tech approach wouldn't hurt. I took it upon myself to buy a guard dog a few days ago."

"What's his name?"

"Ace."

The scene is broken up by the sound of an engine roaring into the driveway. Headlights appear through the window and splash light across the wall.

"Let's go."

The four of us swiftly step through the corridor towards the front door, Ace sprints after us. Rose stands off to the side of the front door while Tim disappears into the shadows with me. Alfred creeps back into the corridor and retreats around a corner. A car door opens and closes and footsteps crunch on the gravel outside in the driveway. The front door swings open and a figure steps into the house.

"-tt-"

Damian, blood splattered across his shirt and pants, calmly looks around the room. "Would someone please tell the pregnant cow I heard her breathing with the car engine on?"

Tim and I step into the light as Damian walks past Rose.

"You little ****," she growls. "You better be lucky your father was here, if not I'd-"

"You'd do what?" He asks with an arched eyebrow. "Throw placenta at me?"

"Enough," I finally say. "Damian, how did you get free?"

"Mother and my grandfather are experts in the arts of hand to hand combat...but the fools they employ leave something to be desired." Damian motions towards his shirt and pants. "The men are still alive, Father, I have not broken your code. I assure that they wish they were dead, though."

"Okay, you got free, but were you followed?"

"No."

"How certain are you of that?"

Damian narrows his eyes at Tim. "Fairly certain," is all he croaks out. I can tell he wants to say more, but my presence in the room causes Damian to bite his tongue.

"If you weren't followed, then they are still going to come here. Ra's and Talia will assume he came here and will be coming to the mansion personally. Tim, you and Rose take Ace and get ready for when they show up."

"We're on it."

"Alfred?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Follow me and Damian to the cave. I think it's time to do what we talked about."

"Very well."

*******
​

"I meant to save this for another time," I say as I watch Damian inspecting his outfit. "A more quiet and appropriate time, but I think now is as good as any. This will show that you want to follow another path than the one your mother and grandfather have chosen from you. This will cement in their minds that you may be part Al Ghul, but you're a Wayne. This is an enormous responsibility, one that cannot be taken lightly. Those that have come before have excelled to unimaginable heights, while sunk to the lowest depths. Damian Wayne, are you ready for this?"

"-tt- As if you had to ask."
​

 

[Andy C.]

(Just a few minutes after the Grodd incident)


Cleanup from Grodd's attack is just as frenetic and tolling as always. A lot of people got hurt, many were worse than just hurt. As much as people tend to think our line of work is all bright excitement and flashy adventures, it's actually pretty grim when part of your job description includes sorting through the wreckage of people's lives.

I do what I can in as many places as I can, until emergency workers and rescue teams can handle it on their own. I'd normally stay longer, but unfortunately, I have an appointment to keep....

...and it's with someone I'd usually much rather not see.

I've caught meteors falling from space with my bare hands.

I've changed the course of rivers and parted oceans.

I've challenged empires and saved entire civilizations.

I've stood up to gods and been to the very edges of reality itself.

But now I have to face something that makes even a Man of Steel begin to shake.

Something more insidious than Grodd's disease....

....more destructive than Doomsday's rampage....

....and more horrifying than staring Darkseid in the face.

I have to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk....with Lex Luthor.

I fly towards the hospital where he's being held, look through the walls to find his room, then fly in through the window.

"You wanted to see me?" I say, raising my eyebrow at the fact that he's still wearing his armor even in the hospital bed.

"Took you long enough," he says with a hacking rasp that's part laugh, part cough. "Faster than a speeding bullet indeed."

"Hmph," is all I respond with, then give him a once-over with my X-Ray vision. Normally his suit is lined with lead, to keep all of his hidden compartments and weapons a secret from me. Now, though, all of the lead lining is gone, like he wants me to see through him.

"Find what you're looking for?" Lex asks.

"No, actually," I say with concern. "I'm looking up and down your bloodstream, your lymph nodes, your nervous system....there are no out-of-the-ordinary bacteria, no viral infections, no cancerous growths, no traces of poison or nanobytes....nothing's wrong. But you're still wasting away in front of me. What's happened to you?"

"Hah, I never thought I'd ever be able to say these words, but.....I have no idea," Luthor says, grimly amused. "I'm absolutely stumped....and it's killing me."

"I can get you to the Fortress, maybe with the Kryptonian technology there, we could--"

"Absolutely not," Lex hisses, "I won't be polluted with alien technology, my problem solved by alien ideas. If I die, I'm going to die a human."

His inflection on that last word stings when he says it. In some ways, it's a sting of bigotry, intolerance from a stubborn mind that rejects anything that isn't itself. In other ways, though, it's a sting of jealousy, his lording of the fact that of the many things I am and will be, truly human will never be one of them.

"I don't believe I have much time left," he says, "and I know I should be feeling regret. I should be waxing philosophical about all the things I could have done, all the ways I could have made my world a better place to be. But we both know better, don't we, Superman?"

His lips twist into a gallows-grin.

"No, we both know I'd just spend the rest of my days building super-death-traps, creating monsters, turning the public against you and vilifying your name. I hate to admit it, but for all of my pretensions of nobility and grand design, I'm afraid I'm really just a petty, hateful man who didn't like the fact that I got upstaged."

He turns away to look wistfully at nothing in particular.

"I think that's what the clown always thought was so funny whenever we joined forces. Every time I would go on about being the savior of humanity, every time I would blame you for getting in my way, he knew it was just because you got the attention and adoration that I wanted. He always had a way of boiling the big picture down to the personal level--seeing the trees for the forest, if you will."

"Lex, there's still time, we can still--"

"Time! Yes!" he practically jolts up, as if waking up suddenly from a dream. "Threads of probability, tangling and unwinding, washing up and down against landscapes of maybes and could-bes. Possibilities pile up on top of each other, become certainties, become destinies.....that's what I've seen."

"So....you've seen the future?" I ask. "Lex, neither of us is any stranger to time-travel, but--"

"It's not that simple, Superman," he says. "We've both been to our fair share of possible futures, yes, but I've seen the whole thing laid out, all of the potential realities spread out in front of me, like a spider-web of timelines. The most statistically likely outcomes coalesce in nearly all of the possible futures, recurring again and again and again in infinite scenarios. I've seen my destiny.....and I've seen yours too."

I look at my old enemy dead in the eye, looking for any trace of deception or secrecy. Whatever he's about to say, he believes it.

"I'm going to die, today....within the next few minutes, most likely. As for you? Well, you've got two, divergent and irreconcilable. In one, the world becomes a paradise, everything you or I could ever dream for it to be....but you would lose the ones you love. In the other, they live and they carry on....but the world suffers a dark age unlike anything we've ever faced. You're going to have to choose one of these futures, Superman, and very soon......when you face your greatest enemy."

"My greatest enemy?" I say, cocking an eyebrow. "Coming from you, that would mean yourself, right?"

"Hah, no, not me," he says. "And not Darkseid--you made certain he's sealed away outside of reality itself. Not Brainiac--though he's survived.....and you'll fight him a million times more, across the length and breadth of the universe. Not Zod, not Bizarro, not the Parasite, not Toyman or Prankster or any of the others....."

"Then who?"

Lex looks me dead in the eye.

"The one who killed me," he says, matter-of-factly. "And the one who gave me this."

I've been so distracted by Luthor's words and by his sickly appearance that I don't even notice the gun in his hand until he's pulled the trigger.

There's a loud CLICK, then....nothing. No bullet, no energy blast, no Kryptonite laser or swarm of flesh-eating nano-machines. Just.....nothing.

"Lex.....what was that?" I ask.

He responds only with a sick, wheezing laugh.

"What was that?!" I say again.

"I.....don't know....what killed me...." Lex says, a satisfied smile across his face. ".....now.....neither do you......"

His whole body shudders for a moment, then goes limp.

I stand over his lifeless form for a long, quiet moment, trying to grasp what just happened. As far as I can tell, the gun didn't fire anything at all, didn't do anything but make a noise. But this is Luthor we're talking about.....he doesn't do anything unless there's something to it.

I look up from the discarded weapon, and back to the husk in the hospital bed, at the cold, staggering fact that lies in front of me.

Lex Luthor is dead.

And I don't know why.

 

[Catman_prb]

An evil, supposedly immortal, terminally ill space monster has just told me that we're all going to die. I take objection with that.

"We're all going to die? Yes, that's called inevitability. What's your point?" I ask.

"That is not of what I speak. You...your friends...I have seen it! The age of heroes is coming to a close, and it will be bloody. The candle shall flicker and fail in the darkness that comes. You shall die, Victor Sage, and so will the others like you," Hank Henshaw says in his horribley grating monotone voice, his despairing, dying eyes roaming like some kind of mad oracle.

I stop, the mask barely concealing my frown. My public persona is not one that I throw around readily, unlike some. I know all of the people that know that The Question is Vic Sage, and the only one of those in this room is Helena. Something about the way he spoke filled me with chills. The age of heroes?

"Do you see what I mean now?" Helena asks, arms folded.

"Yes, I'm sorry that I doubted the insane supervillain," I mutter under my breath.

"Ask him what we can do to stop it," she said, her voice suddenly soft.

"What can we do?" I ask Henshaw, ecchoing Helena's words hollowly.

"There is nothing...nothing...it has already begun. You know it too. That weight in your chest-"

"Shut up," I cut across him, immediately regretting it. Helena's bright eyes watch me carefully as I pace around the floor of the little hideaway she's made for the dying cyborg. I made up my mind.

"We'll take you to a hospital. Even if they don't know what to do, someone from STAR labs will,"

"No, no hospitals..."

His head starts to roll, his robotic eye flickering slightly. I must confess that I lost it at that point. Something about his hysteria was infectious, and I could tell that it was the truth. There are some things...sometimes you can just tell. I grabbed his frail body

"Well what then?! You have to tell me what you know! You have to! We, I, can't let this happen! Henshaw! Henshaw!" I screamed into his ugly, half human face.

Helena rushes in to pull me off of him, but his head starts to twitch, his mouth to move without making sounds, and then his eyes focus on me again.

"So long. I've lived so long. Time is a stream, and I a man in a fishing boat. I've seen things you wouldn't believe. The Corps assembling off the farside of Oa. Krypton, burning in the night's sky like so much oil caught up in a blaze. The book of Parralax, the fall of Superman, the last Doomsday, so many, so many, so many. All of those things...you wouldn't believe. And now, at last, time to die. Time to see my family again. Thankyou,"

And then Hank Henshaw, the fake Superman, the hero that never was, the cyborg supervillain, died. God help me, I felt bad for him. He...had helped us in his last moment. I laid him down on the floor and closed his eyes, both of them. Helena layed a blanket over the top of him, hiding his body from the prying eyes of the world.

"Let's go," I said, taking her hand for a second. We were together then, in those few brief seconds as we crossed the warehouse floor and walked outside. Then her hand left mine, and we were two seperate people again. I coughed awkwardly, thumping my chest and swallowing down phlegm.

"Are you okay?" Helena asks, a note of compassion hinted at in her voice.

"I'm fine. You got a ride?" I ask, still breathing a little heavily.

"My bike's hidden behind one of those crates. What are you going to do now?"

And then I understood. I understood why she had called me, and not her mentor. She wanted someone to take this thing off of her hands, absolve her of it. She wanted to forget that Hank Henshaw was lying in that warehouse, or that he was ever here at all. I resented that. I really, honestly did. But who was I to disappoint? I paused before I answered.

"He said it had already begun. A heavy hitter got taken down at the start of the Darkseid thing, and I never really got a chance to look into it. I'm going to find the Spectre,"

 

[Carnage27]

Reaching Parallax Corps space, I surround myself with a green beacon and wait for Sinestro to notice. One the flight over I couldn't help but laugh at the situation I'm in right now. One of our greatest enemies, possibly even the greatest we have ever known, shows up on our doorstep and asks for a truce, as well as on representative to hunt down a Lantern killer and ring stealer.

For all I know this is a trap and Sinestro has been the one killing Lanterns. But I sit in space and wait for the leader of the Parallax Corps to come meet me, whatever the situation may be.

 

[Byrd Man]

​

The doors into Wayne Manor swing open with a sudden thump. Assassins armed with guns and swords creep through the shadows with stealthy silence. The recon team Ra's sent in are six strong. The one bringing up the rear gaps suddenly as a gloved hand covers his mouth and drags him back into the darkness. The one in front of him lets out a muffled sigh when a caped figure leaps out behind him and chokes the man with a bo staff. The assassin struggles in the grasp of the hooded young man, but the fighting soon stops as he passes out. The ninja now in the rear turns around when he hears the sounds of struggle, but crumples to the ground after the hilt of a katana crashes into his skull.

The two remaining scouts turn the corner, only to meet the long barrel of a pump shotgun.

"I would highly regret having to blow you two gentlemen away," Alfred calmly states as he racks a shell into the chamber. "Blood and gut stains are very difficult to get out of a carpet."

The two men quickly throw their hands up. Tim and I move in on them, grabbing their arms and stripping their weapons.

"Where's Ra's?" I ask one of the assassins as I toss him to the ground.

"We don't know!"

I grab the man's neck and slam his head into the floor.

"See, we knew that was a lie. With us, him especially, honesty is the best policy."

"One more chance to answer before I start breaking bones. Where is Ra's?"

"He's somewhere in the city, preparing the ritual. He sent us here because he knew the boy would run here."

"What ritual?" Damian asks as he and Rose step out of their hiding places.

"For the transference. The years have caught up with the Demon's Head, he requires a new vessel."

"What does that mean?"

"It means Ra's wants Damian's body. From the way it sounds, he'll place his soul inside Damian's body."

"What would happen to Damian's soul?"

I pause and look down at my son.

"I can't say for sure....but I think only one soul can occupy a body."

"No. That won't happen. The old man has had his time, now it's my time."

"We'll stay here, then. Ra's will run out of men. Oracle, can you hear me."

"Loud and clear, B."

"What's the situation outside?"

"Hectic, but it's an improvement over five minutes ago. Cass and Dick are taking care of things over on the East End, and Captain Marvel came off the bench for a helping hand. He's helping out the GCPD and cleared most of downtown. And for-cszzzzzzz"

Barbara's voice drowns away in static, the line suddenly clears. Nothing but silence comes through on the other line.

"Hello, Detective," Ra's says in his usual smug tone. "I'm sorry to have interrupted your conversation, but I felt that it was important. Where is my grandson?"

"He's here with me."
"I expected as much. When can I expect for you to deliver him to me?"
"Expect all you want to. I know what you have planned for him, so if you want him bad enough, come get him."

"Come now, let's not play this game. What do you care if I take it? You had no idea you even had a son until recently. You have your adopted children, why go through all the trouble of breaking in another one?"

"We're done here. Take you and your men out of my city right now."

"I think not, Detective. Either you hand Damian over to me, or I will ruin your city. I have a bomb in my possession. It emits an electromagnetic pulse capable of burning out every electronic device within a five mile radius. Power in hospitals will fail, planes will fall from the sky, and innocent lives will be on your conscience. You have a half hour to bring it to me. Top of the Wayne Enterprise building."

Static comes through again. It's followed by the sound of Barbara's voice.

"What just happened?"

"Ra's got into your system some way. Oracle, I need you to get in touch with Dick and Cassandra and have them meet me if they can, fifteen minutes from now at the Breyfogle Bridge. Batman out."

I cut the connection and turn to Tim and Rose.

"There's a good chance Ra's will have men watching the exits outside of the cave. We need to split up. You two take one of the boats and meet us there. Damian and I will go by car. Alfred."

"Yes, sir?"

"As soon as we're gone, set the security system to the highest level. I don't think they'll try to come back here once we're gone, but I don't want to risk it."

"Very good. If I may ask, sir...what is your plan?"

"I'm complying with his wishes. I'm handing Damian over to Ra's."

 

[wiegeabo]

Brother Hymn of Blue Lantern Corps floated in front of the massive power battery, meditating. Before the coming of the Blackest Night, Brother Warth had chosen Brother Hymn to be the next Blue Lantern. And Brother Hymn, after completing his training, had selected Sister Sercy. And then the Blackest Night had arrived and Guardians Ganthet and Sayd had decided to send temporary blue rings to every sector to help in the battle.

Now, the latest crisis had passed, and the universe was slowly returning to it's former state. The temporary rings were disappearing, dissolving back into blue energy and merging with the central battery. Those most worthy or most in need were allowed to keep their rings longer than others. But Brother Hymn knew that Ganthet and Sayd would eventually take all the rings back, and the Corps would return to their method of selecting new Blue Lanterns. And now they had a whole host of candidates to choose from.

But that would be Sister Sercy's burden to carry. Selecting the next Lantern.

Brother Hymn was more than content to spend the day in peaceful silence, the only sounds being those of the falling waterfall and animals in the forest.

And then he felt it.

His forcefield was only a second ahead of certain death. The force from the blow sent him flying to the ground below, but Hymn was able to stop himself of colliding with the earth.

His attacker presses the advantage.

Brother Hymn may not have been a Lantern as long as either Brothers Warth or Walker, but he has been fully trained. He knows how to defend himself and how to fight. Unfortunately, without a green lantern nearby, doing either is a difficult proposition at best.

Hymn's forcefield does an admirable job of keeping him alive against the attacks being landed against him. And he maneuvers with grace and skill. But without the ability to truly fight back, it isn't much of a fight at all.

Knowing he's being overwhelmed, Brother Hymn tried to flee. Tries to make it to help, and warn the others of his Corps. He is even able to make it into orbit...until his attacker catches up with him before he can jump into hyperspace. A massive blast of energy disorients Brother Hymn, and a massive blow sends him hurtling back to the word below. But unlike the last time, he can't stop himself from slamming into the surface of Odym.

Brother Hymn crawls out of the crater, his ring's field flickering as the first whisps of doubt enter his mind. He squints his eyes as he tries to focus his vision, only to gaze upon his attacker standing over him. It's the last image he sees...

The blue ring immediately leaves Hymn's finger in an effort to return to the Guardians, but the attacker snatches it our of the air. He tries to control it, but it resists. Knowing that the red ring he captured would be useless, he binds the blue ring in his own energy and takes it with him. Once he learns its secrets, he'll be one step closer...

 

[Catman_prb]

Helena and I drove away, or though I waited a second after watching her hop on the motorbike. I had two avenues of investigation into a death that was already months old; re-examine the crime scene investigation, or make use of the few mystical contacts I'd made in my time in the business. Since the Spectre was already a supernatural force, I decided to go with the latter. Nothing like finding out what you're talking about before committing your efforts to it. Luckily I knew where to find one of them. It was going to be a long drive...

???
​

Las Vegas

I hate this town. The greed, the corruption, the decadence, it almost makes Gotham City look like an ideal picnic spot. It makes people stupid, and it makes them crazy. I always wonder why more heroes don't focus their efforts on the City of Lights. Maybe it's because you can't fight the institution. Apart from the greed and the money, there's nothing else to Vegas. It's interesting.

I pulled up at the apartment building that I've heard this guy has been renting, thankful for the caffiene tablets that have got me this far. I rang the buzzer marked with a 'C', and hoped I wasn't interupting anything.

"What?" the gruff voice barked over the tannoy.

"It's me," I said into the speaker. There was a grunt and the door buzzed open. I walked up through the dingy apartment building until I got to the apartment on the top, where I knocked on the door carefully.

"You didn't call ahead," the blonde man stated, a cigarette butt hanging from his mouth. He stood quite coolly in a vest and his boxers, but I was well aware he could hex my ass to kingdom come if he so wished. John Constatine, the Hellblazer.

"You would have dodged me," I said.

"You're damn right I would've. Bloody detective bastards," he muttered, more to himself than to me.

"John, who is it?" a throaty voice called from the bedroom. I reckognised that voice. Constantine knew I did too. He held my gaze, his eyes bloody murder, my eyes stifled laughter.

"Is that...Zatanna?"

"You'd better come in..."​

 

[MST3K 4ever]

A group of Ninjas begin gathering around an officer in alley who is clearly over matched.

She pulls out her gun with her hand and voice shaking and saying, "Drop your weapons or I'll fire!"

They begin to move in closer when a shotgun blast rings out the Ninjas turn to see Harvey Bullock standing there.

He says, "You heard the lady! Drop 'em! Otherwise you clowns will get a face full of shotgun pellets from yours truly!"

He yells to the officer, "Clear out kid! There are some looters on West 8th and Pearl you can take 'em no doubt! I'm used to dealing with freaks!"

She hesitates and Bullock yells, "NOW! THAT'S AN ORDER!"

She starts to say something but Bullock reloads and says, "While you got time."

The officer leaves and Bullock says, "All right you pajama freaks you might get me in the end, but I promise you..." he chambers a round and says, "I'm taking a couple of you with me! Who's first to come and get some?"

One of the ninjas flips over Bullock and strikes his shotgun with his sword causing it to split in two.

Bullock looks at his weapon and pulls out a blackjack and says, "I don't give up that easily!"

Another Ninja flips over and kicks Bullock in the chest. He falls over and the Ninjas gather around him with their swords drawn.

One of them puts his foot on his chest and Bullock locks in his jaw, closes his eyes and begins to recite The Lord's Prayer.

Just then a gust of wind blows through the Alley and Bullock feels the Ninja's foot off of his chest.

He opens his eyes and sees Captain Marvel lifting the 4 ninjas into the air and carrying them away.

Bullock stands up and dusts himself off as Marvel returns.

Marvels asks, "Are you all-right Detective Bullock?"

Bullock replies, "Yeah. Nothing I couldn't deal with. I heard you were in town. Never thought I'd hear myself say this but thanks for the save."

Marvel replies, "Just doing what I can Detective. I think the tide is starting to turn. We need to keep pressing the attack."

Bullock says, "Sure my question is where are we gonna keep all these nutjobs? Sooner or later Public Works is gonna get mad at you for all the lamp posts you're bending."

Marvel replies, "Give me a minute."

Marvel takes flight and looks into the distance. He smiles and returns to Bullock.

Marvel lands and says, "I'll start rounding up the ones I've caught. Earlier I made a temporary holding area at Arkham we can keep them in there."

He takes flight and with the speed of mercury he begins gathering up the Ninjas and putting them in the holding area. Marvel also begins to straighten up the lamp posts he has bent.

Marvel lands next to Bullock and feeling the courage of Achilles wash over him he says, "That should work for now. Come on Detective we have work to do!"

He picks up Bullock,who is screaming, and takes flight deeper into downtown Gotham.

 

[sumowrestler]

All You Need is Love-Chapter 3
​

Miri and Carol walk into the Sapphire Gentleman's Club. It wasn't hard to find with the bright sapphire star shining in pink light with the name in the same neon style light. Carol pulls out her hand with her ring on and summons her battery. Miri follows suit and summons her battery from subspace. Then they say the oath simentanously.
​

"For hearts long lost and full of fright,
For those alone in blackest night,
Accept our ring and join our fight,
Love conquers all-- with violet light!"
​

A bright pink light encoumpases both Miri and Carol. They then put their batteries back into subspace. Carol leads Miri into the "club". A couple of bouncers looked at them funny.

"Hey, are you two new hires? One of you has the right outfit while the other needs to change."

Miri looks around and sees a very similar outfit on girls strutting on a small run way or moving up and down on a pole slowly. Some of the guys were whistling flashing money around. A couple of the women bent down very close to men's faces with their chest just inches from the head. The women kissed the top of the bald guys who put money between the women's large breasts. Miri looks at Carol with a very confused look.

"Sorry, we are here to see the boss. We don't like how things are done here and want to see if we can change things. My friend here would like to change the outfits closer to what she has on. In her opinion, it is a more classier outfit."

"OH, is that why you used the front door? Why didn't you use the back door which leads to the changing room. It has a door directly to the office. Here I thought you two actually wanted the jobs of being up there. Wait a minute, aren't you Carol Ferris-Jordan of Ferris Airlines? A classy doll like you want to get a job here? What, does your husband not give you enough attention? You do certainly fit what we would be looking for in a 'star' employee if you get the joke."

Before the bodyguard could do much else, he and his companion finds themselves against the wall in crystal concoon up to their jaw line. Carol looks over to see Miri's ring hand starting to lower.

"If I didn't know any better, Miri, I would almost say that you channeled just a slight bit of the red instead of the violet."

"I am sorry, Sapphire Ferris, but duirng our time together, I had learn to really appreciate the marriage that you and Hal has even with the difficulties. It really bothered me that they mocked the almost perfect relationship that you and him has. I know my former husband would have done the same thing. He was a gentle soul but would not have hesitated to stand up for what he believed in. This is why coming here is so important. We need to shut this place down."

"Well, they did say that the office is in back. Maybe we can find out who is behind this and try to convince him to shut it down."

"Whoever it is, they need to learn what love truly looks like. This...facade is an embarrassment to what we stand for. We don't flaunt what we have in the faces of anyone. We protect and spread love."

One of the older looking women walk as close as possible on the catwalk towards Miri and Carol.

"Hey, if you don't like it, go take it up with our boss. He is back there through the door just left of the stage. If not, go outside, some of us are trying to work here and you are ruining the mood. It isn't exactly easy to walk up here. One wrong step and we would fall off twisting an ankle."

"Thank you for the directions. We were on our way there."

Carol takes Miri by the hand and leads her towards the door. The reaction that Miri had with the two goons shocked Carol. It seems the more violent and jealous side of the Sapphire rings still existed but not to the same degree that the Sapphire gems had on Carol and others. When they get to the door, they open it. They see a woman who seems to be finishing putting her clothes back on. Then she looks up at Carol and Miri and blushes with embarrassment and quickly puts her head down rushing past the two Sapphires. Miri looks back at her sensing a longing in the young woman's heart for true love and acceptance.

"Well, well, looks like I have two new recruits for my thriving start up club. One of you look ready to be out there while the other needs a lesson on our proper dress code. Don't worry about Stephanie, she just had to go through the initation process like the two of you will. I have to know if the women who work for me know how to do the job properly. It is one of the perks of being the boss."

"You aren't providing what these suits and rings represent. We show and share love to those who need it. What you are doing out there is...is..."

"Hey, those guys get great enjoyment from what I provide through my women. They LOVE the look of them and pay very well. If you don't like it, then I suggest finding different outfits. However, I do find it rather funny and amusing that the very beautiful face of Ferris Airlines is in one of my outfits. I always knew you had a very nice rack, Carol Ferris-Jordan. It is a pleasure seeing it this close and personal."

This time it was Carol who raised her ring ready to fire. Before she could, she found metal encasing it and her other hand along with Miri's hands. Then they found themselves flung back against the very cold wall hanging a few inches from the floor with their arms spread out above their heads in a 45 degree angle.

"Sorry girls, I can't have the REAL Star Sapphires ruining any fun I have here. I have to admit, this trap was set up for one of the Earth Green Lanterns but should have known that at least one of the Sapphires that were on tv was an Earthling but I would have never thought about Carol Ferris-Jordan being one of them. Your husband has to be jealous to have you flying around in such revealing outfit."

"I didn't know we had another Dr. Polaris in town. I thought you had retired or died or simply given up. You will fail just like your predassors."

"Ah, I doubt that very much so. I've refined the abilities to where I can almost effect the iron in the human blood. I'm not sure about your beautiful alien friend here but I probably could do something to her even if it was to give her a proper welcome to my establishment only that I can give. It would be quite an adventure since I never had sex with such a fine shaped alien. There are multiple forms of attraction. I tend to specialize in the magnetic kind but do appreciate what your outfits provide. I'll be kind though, I'll let you sit down on these metal chairs with your backs to each other. I don't want you to be in too much pain when I come back for you two. If you get out of here, Carol, you can tell your husband how a real man treated you. This is if you decide to return to him after I'm done with you."

Dr. Polaris levitates the two chairs and opens a door into a storage room. He places them down in the center and then goes back and levitates the two Sapphires keeping their legs far away from him. They land gently into the chairs with their arms and hands to their sides with the metal gloves magnetically attaching to the chairs. He then takes some wire and wraps it around the ankles. Lastly, he grabs a couple of bandanas with the Sapphire star symbol and color gagging the two Sapphires.

TBC when I'm more awake.​

 

[Batman]

You know, the one thing I can say Ra's Al Ghul is that he's the one of Bruce's old rogues that never seems to get tired of being a royal pain. It's not like Two-Face, where he's constantly drifting in and out between the lines, claiming to be "cured" of his insanity every other time we have to face him. Sometimes, all it takes to take down The Scarecrow is for one of us to sneak out of the shadows and yell 'Boo!' to throw him off his game. Even The Joker - who I'm having a tough time saying that I'll miss - had a way about him that was always so randomized. One minute, he'd be a maniacal killer, the next? Just a harmless stage clown. Sometimes the crime made sense, other times, I don't think even he knew where the punchline was. There was never a clear way to predict where he was going to go next, and I think that's what always made him a clear cut above Batman's other baddies - he was the wild card of the deck.

But Ra's, for all of his intelligence, his resources, and his sordid sense of honor that I'll never understand, has always been the one consistent force for Gotham to reckon with. He's all about one thing. His own immortality, and to a lesser extent, cleansing the world of it's wickedness to forge a new empire under his dominance. It was the same old schtick back when I was Robin, when he kidnapped me in a bid to test Bruce's potential as a worthy heir, and it's probably the same as it is now. That's why no matter what I've been told, no matter what level the stakes have been raised to, I've always been able to go into battle against him and his psycho ninja army with a certain level of predictability.

Doesn't make him any less dangerous, but whatever. You can give me this guy over The Riddler any day of the week. I never did like those damn puzzles.

Barbara said there was trouble in the city, but I haven't spotted it yet. Feeling especially lucky, I cross over to Dixon and 3rd and somersault onto a nearby rooftop. If memory serves, there's always something going on down here - and pretty soon, I realize that tonight is no exception. Two shady looking individuals are crossing into a back alley, hurriedly heading through. Mayor Hardy's conducting a councilman's meeting at City Hall, which is just a couple of blocks away. Doesn't take a genius to figure out where this is going if Ra's wants a detraction.

Tapping into the lenses on my mask, I switch between night vision and infared to get a better look at what they're hiding under those trenchcoats. If it's anything remotely resembling a kitana, I have plenty of license to commence with the buttkicking. "C'mon, c'mon, show me the goods..."

Damn. Can't get a good look. Guess I'll have to get a little clo-...

"<Do not move.>"

Feeling the distinct touch of a blade against my back, I freeze in place. Smooth one. You're dealing with a stealthy bunch of bastards, Dickie - you should've seen this coming a mile away. Feeling one of them tug at my shoulder, I play along and turn around, facing five or six seriously decked out members of Ra's clan. My hunch was right, and I do so hate it when I am.

"Evening, fellas. Wanted to get some of that night air, too?"

"<Be quiet. You shall not interfere with the master's plans.>"

I smirk. "Well, I'd love to stay out of your affairs, but you're not exactly talking about Santa Claus here. I very much doubt that you'd go to all this trouble for milk and cookies."

Looking at eachother in confusion at the Santa thing, I take the mark and thrust my knee into the first one's jawbone. He writhes backwards in pain, making it a prime opportunity to lay into him with a roundhouse kick to the chest. They all produce various weaponry, prompting me to slide out the ole' escrima sticks and take a defensive stance. I never thought I'd say it, but I'm actually starting to miss goons with guns.

"So, who's the first up to bat?"

They all come at me at once, striking from every direction. Cartwheeling my way out of the line of blades, I strike at one and par with the sticks, driving them down and locking the wielder's hand in my grip. Throwing a kick across his face, I leap upwards and kick off of his skull, diving right into another. He comes at me with nunchuks, bashing me once in the nose before I decide to get pissed. Ducking under his next swipe, I jab at his wrist and slam one of the sticks into his face, right between the eyes. Don't dish what you can't eat, as Grandpa Grayson used to say.

Narrowly avoiding an instant decapitation, I backflip over my would-be attacker's frame and smash the brunt of my gauntlet's armor against a razor sharp sai. The distraction provides them with enough time to slash hard into my back, forcing me to drop the sticks and yell out in pain. Taking a kick to the wound, I stumble forward and roll, trying to absorb the pain long enough to make it out of this alive. Probably drew some blood. I can feel it trickling down the costume.

Taking point to locate the escrima sticks, which are on the other side of the roof, I decide to go with an alternative and pull out some batarangs. To this, one of them drops their sais and produce shuriken, which are basically alot smaller and alot nastier. I never could like a copycat. Rushing forward, I toss the first set of batarangs at shuriken boy to throw off his aim, and the second at nunchuk lady. Which just leaves the other three to deal with. Which isn't really as good as it sounded in my head.

"Not that I'm adverse to you taking your sweet time or anything,", I call out into the shadows, blocking a punch and countering a kick. "But could you give me a hand?"

A second later and two of them are down before they can even see the attack coming. The other three turn to the other side of the roof, as a Bat-shaped figure swoops over the area and swiftly vaults straight at them. They probably think I called in the heavy artillery, but he's still halfway across the city. Luckily, I brought a good second along.

"A-thank ya."

Batgirl and I make quick work of the rest, slamming two of them into eachother and individually taking on the remaining two at a time. Even though mine isn't that terribly difficult to take out, even with the gash in my back starting to stick, I notice how quickly Cass takes hers out from the corner of my eye. She's quick, efficient. And furthermore, eerily focused on striking in just the right places to get the job done. That wasn't Bruce's training, that was someone else. And from what I learned about her past, I don't think I even wanna know.

Palm-striking mine in the head, I spin and throw my leg out, tripping him over and sending him flat on his ass against solid concrete. He's out for the count, as are the rest of them. Placing my hands on my knees, I quietly chuckle to myself. Going two against five, at least the job never gets stale.

"Nice save, back there. I owe you one."

Brushing herself off, Batgirl strides past me. "Yes. You do."

Before I can comment on the hint of playful sarcasm in her voice, Oracle rings in both of our ears.

"How's it coming on your end?"

"Lovely. We made some new friends, they took us out. Showed us a real nice time."

"Let me guess. They kicked your ass and forced you to call Cassandra into battle."

"See, this is why you and I are never setting foot in a wedding planner's office."

Batgirl taps the side of her cowl, focused on the situation.

"Where is Batman?"

"He just left the Manor with Damian. Ra's has threatened to wipe out the city's power with an EMP that he's probably stolen from a high-end manufacturer. Doesn't sound too good for anything in a ten mile radius of Gotham, nevermind my communications module."

Great, just what we need to make the situation all the more pleasant. A megalomaniac with the power to cause an instant blackout to an entire city.

"Where does he think Ra's is hiding?"

"If he knows, he hasn't told me. He gave me a message for the two of you to meet him at the Breyfogle Bridge as soon as you can. I'm sure he's planning something."

"Right, we're on our way. Nightwing out."

As soon as I cut the connection to Barb, a sudden realization hits me. The two assassins, the ones heading for the Mayor. They're still on the loose, and that fight probably gave them just enough time to make it over to City Hall. Grabbing Batgirl by the shoulder, I indicate the alley they crossed into.

"Wait, there were two of them heading for the Mayor. I tried to stop them, but our little run-in..."

She pulls out her grapnel and fires, knowing exactly what to do before I'm even finished.

"On it. Give Batman and the boy my regards."

Left to watch as she leaves, I fire my own line out and head directly for the bridge.

Time for a Dynamic Duo reunion special.

 

[Byrd Man]

Breyfogle Bridge

I park the batmobile in the shadow of the bridge. The canopy opens up and Damian and I shoot grapnel lines into the air. The hooks catch on the edge of the bridge and shoot us up to the top of the bridge's tower. Dick's already waiting.

I catch the bemused look on his face when he notices Damian's Robin outfit.

"It was my decision, and his choice."
​

 

[Batman]

I park the batmobile in the shadow of the bridge. The canopy opens up and Damian and I shoot grapnel lines into the air. The hooks catch on the edge of the bridge and shoot us up to the top of the bridge's tower. Dick's already waiting.

I catch the bemused look on his face when he notices Damian's Robin outfit.

"It was my decision, and his choice."

If we weren't in the middle of an impending citywide crisis, I'd be so tempted to give Bruce hell about this. Or at least lay into him with a little gentle ribbing. But I also know how hard he's worked to be a better father ever since he discovered Talia gave birth to the little brat, and given this method of parenting - no matter how unorthodox it's always been - worked wonders with both Tim and I, I have no reason to complain. I'm sure he knows what he's doing.

"Hey, as long as you're okay with it, I'll be sound as a pound.", I offer with a shrug. "So what's the situation, boss? Oracle filled me in about Ra's EMP. Sounds like he's got a new bag of toys."

 

[Byrd Man]

If we weren't in the middle of an impending citywide crisis, I'd be so tempted to give Bruce hell about this. Or at least lay into him with a little gentle ribbing. But I also know how hard he's worked to be a better father ever since he discovered Talia gave birth to the little brat, and given this method of parenting - no matter how unorthodox it's always been - worked wonders with both Tim and I, I have no reason to complain. I'm sure he knows what he's doing.

"Hey, as long as you're okay with it, I'll be sound as a pound.", I offer with a shrug. "So what's the situation, boss? Oracle filled me in about Ra's EMP. Sounds like he's got a new bag of toys."

"Ra's is threatening to blow this bomb unless I hand Damian over to him. He's going to put his consciousness in Damian's body. All part of his obsession with living forever."

"I refuse to suffer because that old fool squandered his life on idiotic pursuits."

"I have no intention of complying with his wishes. That's where you come in," I say with a nod to Dick. "We're supposed to meet Ra's on the roof of Wayne Enterprises. He may have the bomb there, he may not. Oracle is currently scanning the city looking for any trace of power surges. A bomb that big will give off ambient radiation. There's a good chance he'll have the bomb there, so I need you to watch our backs. The only way we can stop him and save Damian is to appear to give him what he wants. We create the distraction, and you figure out how to stop that bomb."

 

[Batman]

"Ra's is threatening to blow this bomb unless I hand Damian over to him. He's going to put his consciousness in Damian's body. All part of his obsession with living forever."

"I refuse to suffer because that old fool squandered his life on idiotic pursuits."

"I have no intention of complying with his wishes. That's where you come in," I say with a nod to Dick. "We're supposed to meet Ra's on the roof of Wayne Enterprises. He may have the bomb there, he may not. Oracle is currently scanning the city looking for any trace of power surges. A bomb that big will give off ambient radiation. There's a good chance he'll have the bomb there, so I need you to watch our backs. The only way we can stop him and save Damian is to appear to give him what he wants. We create the distraction, and you figure out how to stop that bomb."

"Right. Shouldn't be too hard. This isn't the first hostage exchange we've tackled."

Damian scoffs at me, arms crossed. "Please, the old man is as foolish as you. And I am not a 'hostage'."

"Then you chose the wrong getup, kid. That's not an insult, it's just coming from experience."

He seems to mutter something under his breath, but I just smirk. The truth is, Damian's got to be pretty brave to want to directly enter the fray like this. Batman's undoubtedly made no secret to the exact gravity of the situation - I mean, Ra's wants the boy's soul. It's a fate worse than death, and not even the best of us know how to bring a soul back from beyond. A boy, sure. Superman and Green Arrow know all about that. But a soul?

Even at my prime as Robin, I'd be having second thoughts. But unless he has a genius poker face, Damian's handling it in stride. That'll be his strength to use if he wants to follow in Tim's footsteps.

I don't even need to question Bruce's stance on putting his son in jeopardy like this. After developing the way we work with eachother, I learned a long time ago that there's no debating with him. When he makes his mind, he makes it. And doubt is something that rarely creeps into the mind of The Dark Knight.

"Unless you called The Justice League for backup, I think this is about as big as our party is gonna get. Ready to get going?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel and Bullock land in Downtown Gotham and begin dispatching Ninjas and arresting Looters as quickly as they can.

Bullock sits on the curb during a calm moment and begins to stare at the ground as his breathing becomes heavier.

Marvel walks over to him and asks, "Are you all-right Detective?"

Bullock looks up and says, "I'll manage come on we still gotta a lot of work to do."

Bullock starts to stand up and then falls back down grabbing his chest.

He grunts and says, "Oh this is hurtin'! I can't really breath!"

Bullock starts gasping and Marvel picks him up.

With the speed of Mercury he wings his way to to Gotham Memorial.

He kicks the door to the E-R open and says, " I have a police officer who needs help!"

The charge nurse runs over and takes a quick look. She says, "Get him the gurney now! He's having a heart attack and it's a biggie!"

Marvel puts Bullock down and the nurse begins to wheel him away into an open bay.

Marvel attempts to walk in but the nurse says, "I'm sorry you can't go in there."

Marvel says, "He's my friend I'm going in there."

She says, "Hospital policy states..."

Marvel summons his Achilles presence and says, "I'm going to stay with him!"

The nurse says, "Of course you are."

The E-R crew begin hooking Harvey up to various machines and O2 tanks.

Harvey motions to Marvel and says in a ragged voice, "Whadya doin here? You need to be out there."

Marvel shakes his head and says, "We've done enough the rest of the GCPD is taking care of the loose ends out there."

Bullock shakes his head and says, "Get your...ass back out there before I get...up...and kick it to the moon! Our city...needs you...Captain....Marvel."

Marvel nods and says, "Get some rest my friend."

Bullock says very ragged barely able to keep his eyes open, "Tell Bats...it was...never personal. Thanks...for one last...fight...now...get...back...to...it."

Just then the alarms start blaring and the nurse yells, "CODE BLUE CODE BLUE! TRAUMA 1!"

A Doctor comes bolting into the room and looks at Marvel and says, "CLEAR OUT!"

Marvel leaves as the E-R crew works tirelessly to bring Harvey back.

After 30 minutes the doctor walks out. He looks at Marvel and shakes his head.

He says, "I'm sorry Captain Marvel your friend is gone."

Marvel feels his jaw drop slowly open and says, "But he...how..."

The Doctor says, "His body in the shape it was in already, the events of the evening, and his age he was a ticking time-bomb. It went off and there was nothing we could do. I'm very sorry."

The Doctor walks away and Marvel enters the room as the staff is cleaning up.

Marvel walks over to Bullock's body and says, "Goodbye my friend. Rest in Peace, adn don't worry the Boy Scout won't let you down. I promise."

He then covers the body, bows his head for a moment and then leaves the E-R

Struggling to maintain his composure he takes flight.

Marvel hovers over the heart of downtown and with the power of Zeus he lets out a series of earth shattering cries of pain. As though he had just seen the end of the world and there was nothing he could do but watch.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"

He then just hovers with his head bowed.

 

[Catman_prb]

I sat down on the awkwardly soft, nicotine stained sofa that Constantine gestured at. He walked into the kitchen and returned with two mugs of coffee. The sounds of someone singing could be heard over the sound of the shower.

"So you and Zatanna...?" I said, as the British magician sat in the armchair across from me.

"Yeah," he muttered.

"How did that-" I started, but he cut across me.

"We both came after a demon that was feeding on greed or something. It was in Las Vegas, so it was pretty big. I mean, it was really ****ing big, you had to have seen this thing to believe it. So after we got it, we were covered in this ectoplasmic goop and still riding on an adrenaline high. We've been hiding out from family and friends for the last few weeks. You know how it is - you still seeing that Bartinelli bird?"

"It's kind of complicated," I said. The truth was, I had no idea where things were with Helena at the moment. She was all over the place, and so was I. Part of me was sure that I was too old for her anyway, that I couldn't keep up with the lifestyle anyway.

"Yeah, I can imagine. Anyway, why are you here?" Constantine said, lighting up a roll-up.

"The Spectre was killed a few months back. As far as I remember the spirit needs a host, otherwise it goes crazy. I need you to tell me who was hosting it and who's replaced it," I said, trying not to breathe in any of the noxious smoke that was puffing from Constantine's cigarette.

"Well there I can help you, mate. Zee's been having me look into this **** already. The guy's name was Crispus Allen,"

"Allen? That name rings a bell,"

"Some poor bastard on the GCPD who got shot in the line of duty. His partner was Montoya, if you want to have a look into it for us," Constantine said, taking another deep pull on the cigarette. The apartment was already filling up with smoke.

"I may do that," I said "But who's the Spectre taken over to replace him?"

"No one, that's the issue. The Spectre died - one of Darkseid's hitmen killed the literal Angel of Vengeance. Why do you think Zee and me were out demon hunting? Downstairs has been playing merry ****ing hell ever since. Anyone who's anyone is out peacekeeping 24/7,"

"Except when they're off playing hide the sausage 24/7?" I asked, quirking a faceless eyebrow. Constantine didn't even look faintly ashamed.

"Call it a well earned break, not that it's any of your bloody business,"

"Well thanks for the help anyway. I'll see what I can turn up on Montoya," I said, standing up. It was right then that I managed to gulp a lungful of that goddam smoke, which set me off coughing, hard. I bent over almost double, and when I looked up, Constantine was frowning.

"Take it from someone who knows - that is not a healthy cough," he said, his voice as cool and sobre as ever.

"Don't I know it," I muttered as I headed towards the door "Send my love to Zee,"

Then I headed back to Gotham.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Right. Shouldn't be too hard. This isn't the first hostage exchange we've tackled."

Damian scoffs at me, arms crossed. "Please, the old man is as foolish as you. And I am not a 'hostage'."

"Then you chose the wrong getup, kid. That's not an insult, it's just coming from experience. Unless you called The Justice League for backup, I think this is about as big as our party is gonna get. Ready to get going?"

"Let's go."

Damian and I head to Wayne Enterprises with Dick hanging back, quietly shadowing us. Ra's, Talia, Ubu, and a half dozen other League ninjas are waiting on the rooftop for us. Behind Ra's is an object set up on a tripod. No bigger than a basketball, it has a small, blinking red light at its center.

It's Ra's EMP.

"Good evening, Detective," he says with a nod towards me. "I have to admit, I am disappointed in you. I assumed it would be just you and the boy."

"What are you talking about?"

"There's no need for the denials. Young Richard has been shadowing you all the way here. Insurance just in case you back out of our deal?"

"When you're making deals with a megalomaniac, insurance is necessary."

"Indeed," Ra's snaps his attention towards Damian. "I say, boy, come here. Let me get a good look at you. I apologize for being a less than stellar grandfather, I hope to make that up soon. You can call me papa, if you feel so inclined."

"There are a lot of things I want to call you right now, but 'Papa' is not one of them."

"Your son has quite the tongue, Detective. I look forward to silencing it."

Ubu and the other ninjas begin to close in on Damian and I. I step forward, shielding him behind my cape.

"Talia, are you going to stand aside and let them do this to Damian?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't listen to him! He's trying to cloud your mind with lies."

I take another step back as the assassins inch closer.

"What did Ra's tell you, Talia? Did he say he was going to take Damian and give him back to you? It's a lie. It has been from the start. He's looking to use Damian as a vessel, a new home for the rotten thing he calls a soul. He's been using you, Talia, he doesn't care about you or Damian. He just wants to keep living."

"Silence!"

"Do you want that, Talia? Do you want your child, our son, to be sacrificed at the alter of Ra's Al Ghul?"

"The time for talk is now over, Detective," Ra's hisses as he removes scimitar from his waistband and points at me. "Ubu, kill him, leave the boy unharmed, and then detonate the bomb." He turns on his heels and looks towards Talia, "And as for you, daughter-"

He's cut off by a high heeled boot to the face. Talia strikes again, striking him in his neck. Chaos breaks out, Ubu and a few of the assassins head to protect Ra's, while a few stay on course and rush towards me. I tap my earpiece and come online.

"Dick, we need you down here as soon as possible. Things are getting hectic, to say the least."

A ninja rushes towards me, but is stopped short by a vicious blow to the stomach, followed by a sharp karate chop to the neck by Damian. The ninja falls to the ground beside Damian.

"-tt-"

"Damian, let's get to work."

My son cracks his knuckles and smirks.

"Very well."​