The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season IX

[Batman]

"Alright, I think the results are being sent now."

Superman nodded back to the visage of Dr. John Henry Irons, formerly his ally Steel, as the two communicated to one another through a video communications' uplink being signaled through Star Labs to The Man of Steel's private hideaway in the artic, The Fortress of Solitude. Though John would have gladly teleported over to be there in person, given that the Fortress held such capabilities, his duties as the research facilities' director of technological sciences kept him too busy to stop by for any sort of visit. In truth, Superman understood. All that he really required was a second opinion in order to grasp the extent of the virus' damage. The rapid increase of gray in his usually jet black hair was only the first sign - because whatever Luthor's endgame was, it was happening now.

Placing a sample of that hair into an analyzer in the Fortress' own computer module, Superman turned as the results from Star finally managed to arrive through the monitor. And at first glance, it was just as he feared. His power levels were beginning to dramatically lower compared to his usual output of biological strength.

"Thanks for doing this, John. I wouldn't have asked if it weren't important."

"After all we've been through, it's no trouble at all. Though I do wish it were under better circumstances. If you'll notice, your bloodcount is generally the same as what we have on record. But I'll be honest, even with more sufficient reference, it's not entirely that simple."

"I know. And I'm sorry for that, but I've been having trouble trying to give you a larger sample. Even the diamond kryptonite laced needles that Batman provided me with haven't been able to pierce my skin. The little I've given is the most I can manage."

"It's not just that, Clark. Kryptonian physiology can be terribly unorthodox, and I'm not exactly a biologist. My field of expertise is in robotics."

"It's not the expertise that I need, it's the resource. The Fortress' computers are adept, but I didn't feel confident enough to rely solely on them. After all..."

Looking over to his graying strand of hair, Superman's expression shifted from positive to somewhat grim. "This isn't exactly something that I'm used to. I didn't expect to begin aging into gray for another twenty years."

"Well, we already know that whatever Luthor's infected you with, it's not coming up in any of the lab's database of known extraterrestrial afflictions. My guess is that he either hid it well within your body, or that..."

"That he created the virus from scratch."

John sighed.

"Like I said. Better circumstances."

Superman began to look over the results once again.

"Well, we'll figure it out eventually. I just need to keep trying to find an irregularity."

John's eyebrow arched. "Beyond the ones you've already found? You're aging from your thirties into your fifties, Clark. That's enough of an irregularity to tell me that you need to find a way to reverse this now."

Contemplative, Superman continued.

"I know how Luthor thinks - well, how he thought. Whatever he did to me, however he did it, he'll have used what was already there as a basis for what eventually became his revenge. If I can figure out where it started, maybe I can figure out how to isolate it."

John looked over at the clock on the nearby wall, his demeanor growing more urgent.

"Well good luck, buddy. I wish I could do more, but I have to,"

Superman gave him a friendly smirk.

"You've done more than enough already, John. Go back to work. I'll try and keep in touch."

Giving him a nod, Dr. Irons signed off of the feed. Leaving Superman alone to his thoughts as he read over the data once again, realizing that very little at all would help him understand what was happening to him. But even so, he thought, there had to be something he was missing. His power levels were still high enough to keep him sustained, for now, but he couldn't afford to allow them to drop any lower than what they were before his absorption of the solar radiation that had made him nearly omnipotent.

"Fortress? Analyze sample. Compare to recent analogue. Six months ago."

BEGINNING NOW, KAL-EL

Six months. The flow of time finally caught up to The Man of Steel as he said it aloud. Eight months ago, and he had learned that he was going to be a father. Now the baby was due anywhere from a matter of weeks to tomorrow. Sighing to himself, he leaned onto the dashboard with a heavy heart and heavier mind. No one outside of John had been told of this recent change in his condition, not even his own wife. And unfortunately, he knew that it would need to come next. But how would she react to knowing that soon, he might just fade away? Would it affect her physically, with the pregnancy, or emotionally by shattering the optimism that he would survive this?

This virus was an enemy that was almost worse than some maniac with a deathray, or some scientific abomination with a grudge. He didn't even know what he was fighting. And if that was the case, the odds that his enemy was winning dramatically increased with every passing moment.

"Fortress? Call home."

ACKNOWLEDGED. REACTIVATING COMMUNICATIONS,

After a few moments of dial-tone, Superman's frown turned into a smile upon hearing Lois' voice.

"Smallville! Great timing, I was just about to call. I just had the most irritating craving for those pastries at the corner market, and I was wondering if you'd swing by on your..."

She paused. Superman tried to speak to respond, but she was going a mile a minute.

"Clark? Clark, what's wrong? You usually cut me off whenever I ramble about food. What is it?"

"Lois... I,"

He couldn't even finish. It felt awkward enough to have to explain that he now looked older than he did last night, but to do it over the phone? And from thousands of miles away? He honestly didn't know how to even say it.

"Look, why don't we meet for lunch today. I think I'm going to take the morning off."

"Really? I mean, I guess that's okay. But why? You know how Perry is with the morning deadlines, and after Superman's late-night romp with the metal case from space, I figured Clark Kent would want to be the one to cover it."

Catching a glimpse at his reflection in the Fortress' crystals, Superman looked away.

"It's for a good reason. I'll say that much."

"Clark? Honey, you don't sound like yourself. I'm starting to get worried."

"Don't be. I promise, everything will be fine. Just... prepare yourself."

There was another pause on the other end. He knew that she hated whenever he told her to do that, but it was the only way for her to be completely aware that something would be off whenever he'd return to the city. He just didn't know how wild her imagination was going to get.

"Look, if there's something going on, I want to know about it right now. Dammit, don't torture me like this."

"I'm sorry, Lois. Please just try to understand. I'm going through somewhat of a change. I don't know how to explain. You'll just have to see for yourself."

"Then get your butt over here now. Fly, teleport, I don't care. I'm not afraid of whatever's happened."

"I know you aren't."

Switching the communicator off, Superman's head hung as he stood in the deafening silence of the Fortress.

"...But I am."

Looking towards the crystallized ceiling, The Man of Steel pressed a button on the console that activated a massive skylight exit. With a breath of nervousness, he pressed himself against the ground and launched upwards, flying directly into the clouds and out into the open skies.

If science wasn't going to be able to help him, maybe mysticism could lend it's hand.

 

[Byrd Man]

I turn as he walks in and smile at him.


"Hey…" I cross the room and kiss him gently. I glance at the bag of breakfast, poking it playfully.

"Can I take it to go? I promised Lian I'd be home when she get's out of school and it's a halfway…" I trail off.

I kiss his cheek and walk to the door, brushing my hair behind my ear. I pause with my hand on the door before turning back. Time to face another issue.

"I want to have dinner at your house before I leave. The family. If that's okay?"

"That's fine. Just let Connor know, he'd love to cook a big dinner for all of us. After all, I think we need to make it up to him and Mia after last night..."

 

[twylight]

"That's fine. Just let Connor know, he'd love to cook a big dinner for all of us. After all, I think we need to make it up to him and Mia after last night..."

My eyes widened. Connor...

"You're not going to make chili?" Not the most eloquent reply, but it's what was on the tip of my brain. I'd never know Ollie to pass up a chance to punish, er, gift us, the one culinary dish he felt he could make.

 

[Byrd Man]

My eyes widened. Connor...

"You're not going to make chili?" Not the most eloquent reply, but it's what was on the tip of my brain. I'd never know Ollie to pass up a chance to punish, er, gift us, the one culinary dish he felt he could make.

"Hey, if you want it, all you have to do is ask," I say with a smirk. "I just figured my four alarm chilli wouldn't stack up as well to Connor's stuffed ravioli with lamb...but it's your call."

 

[twylight]

"Hey, if you want it, all you have to do is ask," I say with a smirk. "I just figured my four alarm chilli wouldn't stack up as well to Connor's stuffed ravioli with lamb...but it's your call."

I put my finger to my lip and squint my eyes at him.

"Well, this is a classic example of the sequel eclipsing the original." I flick my hand and open the door.

"Tell Connor I look forward to the ravioli."

 

[Byrd Man]

I put my finger to my lip and squint my eyes at him.

"Well, this is a classic example of the sequel eclipsing the original." I flick my hand and open the door.

"Tell Connor I look forward to the ravioli."

"Alright," I say as I hand Dinah the food. "I have to run. Got a meeting with the mayor in an hour. I'll call Connor on my way to city hall."

I bend in and kiss Dinah on cheek.

"I'll see you tonight."

 

[twylight]

"Alright," I say as I hand Dinah the food. "I have to run. Got a meeting with the mayor in an hour. I'll call Connor on my way to city hall."

I bend in and kiss Dinah on cheek.

"I'll see you tonight."

I put my hand on his arm and kiss him.

"Good luck at that city thing." I wink and tug his beard.

"See ya later." Before walking out the door. Reaching the elevator I pushed 'down' and sighed, leaning against the glass with a smile.

 

[twylight]

"WOOOOOAAAAHHHH" The screen flashed colors and I throw up my arms.

"I hate this game." Lian laughs and then her face goes serious. The early afternoon light hits her through the window, casting shadows on her face that was rapidly loosing it's baby roundness.

"It's not that hard."

I poke her in the ribs.
"Not to me."

The doorbell rings and Roy's voice reverberates through the house in reply as he leaves the kitchen, sporting an apron with a thousand colorful handprints all over it.
"I got it!"

I turn back to Lian and we started the game again as Roy opens the door. I can hear his voice and another male voice speaking lowly before Roy pokes his head into the room.
"Dinah, it's Connor for you." I look at Lian, intent on the game, biting her lower lip before standing and walking to the door. Leaning against the door jam I give him a once over. He resembles Ollie so much, with a liberal dose of his mother's looks. A soft pang hits my chest, dulled after many years and tempered with pride.

"Hey Connor, what's up?" He gives me a gentle but level look.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go for a walk and get a cup of tea with me?" I drop my arm from the door jam and study his face. It was an odd request, but not one I'd turn down.

"Sure. I've got a date with Ollie a little later." He shakes his head.

"He didn't call? His meeting is running long and he won't be able to make it."

Oh.

"Oh." One thing I'm used to in the hero business; can't cry over a cancelled or ruined date.

"Then I'm all yours."

I reach behind me and grab my jacket, before catching Roy's eye from across the room. He gives me a nod, one that I'd become all to used to from the months staying with them a few years ago. It was full of reassurance and 'I've got this'-ness. I step out of the house, closing the door behind me quietly and slip my jacket on. It wasn't terribly cold, but Autumn was approaching and there was a slight nip in the air. Pulling my hair out from the collar, the breeze caught it and blew some stray strands across my face before I tuck them neatly behind my ear as I follow Connor down the sidewalk. He made no indication of wanting to talk, so I walk beside him in silence, enjoying the cool air and the mellowing air of summer. It was his way. I take in the scenery as the neighborhood melts into apartments, and then smatterings of stores, before we reach a small shopping area. It is an older part of town so the architecture harkens back to the 50's. Modern then, out of date now. He leads me to one of the shops in the shopping area, a small tea shop.
Entering the shop a small bell on the door jiggles melodiously as the door swoops shut behind us. I look around, it is much more spacious inside than the outside leads one to believe, and much brighter. Along the left side there are wooden drawers from floor to ceiling all the way to the back wall, the ceiling above us is exposed beams with Tibetan flower designs decorating them. The right wall is a bright but warm blue. Small tables and soft chairs sit in intimate clusters around the room. Connor leads me to the back of the shop where a carved wooden counter stands with boxes and more cabinets full of drawers along the wall behind it.
An old man who's heritage seemed the same as the paintings on the beams sits behind the counter on a stool. Wrinkles traced lines across his face and his eyes have a gentle covering over them from where his skin has given way and slide down his face. Connor gives a slight bow and speaks softly to the man before turning to me.

"Do you have a preference?"

I shake my head.
"I defer to you." He turned and finished speaking before leading me to a table by the window. I look up at the brass lantern light fixtures above us that cast bright designs against the walls and ceiling. He pulls a chair out for me before taking my jacket and placing it on my seat back. I watch him as he crosses to his chair. He was probably better than anything Ollie and I could have done together. I still don't think Mia knows the difference between a fish and a salad fork. And it took me forever to get Roy into a habit of holding doors open for girls. A young woman places a tray containing two burlwood and silver tea cups and a clay teapot on our table. Connor serves me and then takes a sip of his tea. I followed suit, closing my eyes and inhaling the fragrant fumes, wrapping my hands around the teacup allowing the warmth to sink in.

"You know, he loves you."

Not the opening I'd expected. My eyes open and I hold the cup frozen at my lips as I stare across the table at tanned young man. His eyes are lowered and his long blonde eyelashes block my view of them as he slowly stirs his tea. I take a sip, enjoying the sweet spiciness of the brew, before lowering the cup and answering.

"I know." He looks up at me and I meet his gaze.

"You shouldn't doubt that. He really hurt when you left. It's the only time I've ever seen him so effected by anything." He paused. "He won't admit it, but it was good for him n the long run."

I took a sip and looked outside, guilt poking me.
"Why do you say that?"

"You know why better than any of us. Because he'd grown accustom to taking you for granted. As well intentioned as Ollie is, he sometimes forgets that we're more than his support system. It made him grow up a lot."

I put my cup down and Connor refills it.
"I shouldn't have left the way I did." I took Connors silence as agreement. "He has changed a lot, and so have I. I owe you all an apology and an explanation, which is what you will get tomorrow."

"And then you're leaving."

"Yes. I have something I need to finish."

"Are you going to ask him to go with you?" I shook my head.

"No. I'm going to ask you to come with me/" I can tell that caught him off guard. He looked up at me startled. I smile at him.

"I won't ask you now, not until I explain everything tomorrow night. But I want you to know that you're the one I'd like to have with me on this." I'd made up my mind weeks ago, weighing the pros and cons of each person and Connor had come out to be not only the logical choice, but the one I wanted to be there. He was calm, levelheaded, experienced and darn good at his job.

"We all missed you."

I let the cup sink to my lap and stare at it.

"I know. I missed all of you a lot too."

Silence fell for a moment, ending that conversation.

"Now, enough about me. I want to hear about you. Any special girl… or guy in your life?" I take a sip of tea and grin mischievously as he shakes his head and rolls his eyes.


---------------------

Roy pushes open the door to the house and I follow him and Lian inside. All of our arms are full of food dishes. Connor and I had decided that the ravioli was probably the best bet, and I offered to have Roy and I bring some sides. Lian's carefully balancing a platter of cupcakes, Roy's got a container of pasta and I trail along with a bowl of salad. One of the few things I can make without messing it up.

"HEEEEEYYYYY We're HEEEEERRRRREEEEEEEE"

A thumping from upstairs is revealed as Mia as she races down the stairs, jumping lightly over the last few, before surveying the items in our hands. She swoops in and lifts the bowl from my hands before floating towards the kitchen.

"At least we'll have something edible. He made chili." she whispered the last part, half joking, half in horror.

Roy raised his eyebrow.
"I thought Connor was…"

Mia turned and walked backwards through the doorway and replied in a low voice:
"It's Ollie." She said dramatically before entering the kitchen.

I smile and enter the kitchen where Ollie is bent over the stove, an apron tied behind him in a tidy bow. I make my way to him and peek over his shoulder.
"Looks yummy, and the chili looks good too." I glance at Connor and he silently points to some covered pots on the other side of the stove. Thank goodness. I breathe in the familiar smell of chili and Ollie's aftershave, the urge to rest my cheek on his shoulder is strong but, I've been here before, can't move too fast. I move to his side and smile at him.

"Why the switch?"

"You just seemed so disappointed I wasn't. Don't worry, it's not for tonight. It's a special night, I don't want to mess it up by burning everybody's mouthes off." He waves a pyrex container with a lid in his hand. I smile and kiss his cheek.

"Perfect gentleman."

"I try."

I study him, letting the noise of the 'kids' melt into the background. Tonight could go two ways… I just hope it goes the direction I want.


----------

Dinner was filled with laughter, stories and good food. It felt as if I'd never left, and made me regret it even more. I helped Mia clear the dishes as Roy and Lian loaded the dishwasher with them. Connor and Ollie stood in the corner arguing over how to package up and divide the leftovers. I took another long moment to study the man who I'd collectively spent probably over two decades of my life with. Roy clapped his hands together.

"Okay. Time for bed."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Why can't I stay up?" she whines, before she can complete the next word that her mouth is open to utter Ollie swoops in and tosses her over his shoulder.

"Let's go!" I laugh at Lian's failed attempt at indignation and frustration, a smile glinting in her her eyes as Ollie stomps upstairs, Roy trailing behind.

Mia puts her arm around my shoulder.

"WELL THEN…. anyone for a game of Spoons?"

"OOHHH Still think you can beat me? I play with the masters!"

"YEAH like Zinda holds a candle to me!"

A clank of metal behind us makes us turn to see Connor standing there with two spoons in his hand.

"Bring it."

 

[Keyser Soze]

I used to think about all that I've gained since Abin Sur brought me to his ship, gave me his ring, and inducted me into the Green Lantern Corps. I gained unspeakable power, one of the most powerful weapons in the universe literally at my fingertips. I gained the chance to be of service to my world, my universe. I gained a community I was proud to be a part of. I gained a calling in life, a purpose. I gained a wife, and a child, both of whom I loved more than anything else in the world.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot more about what I've lost.

I lost a mentor, a friend. I lost my city. I lost my sanity. I lost my life. Then, I got them all back. But my regained friend betrayed me all over again. I lost my standing in the corps, and my belief in it. But that was nothing. I lost my son. No, not lost. He was taken from me. I've lost too much, and now I'm sat here in my Coast City apartment, looking at the sun rise out my window, and I'm asking myself if it was all worth it.

"Hal?"

I look up, snapped out of my stupor. Carol. She's just out of bed, standing at the doorway, looking like hell. She obviously hasn't slept. Neither of us have slept much lately. I look at her silently, then turn back to looking out the window.

"Where have you been?"

Since... what happened to Martin, the two of us have been like strangers drifting through each other's lives. I was the monster who had to tell her that our son was dead... what else is there to say?

"Away."

Truth is, I've been spending a lot of time following a woman and child that I know to be a surrogate family of sorts to Sinestro. My former friend and mentor. The man responsible for the death of my son. I've been following them, not knowing why, not knowing where I go from here. Only I do know. I do know where this goes. And it's why I've been sitting up, staring out the window all night.

"Hal, we can't go on like this."

Without me even realising it, Carol had sat down at the table across from me.

"You're a ghost. This is hard, unbearable, but it's even worse having to go through it alone. I need you, Hal. I need the man I love."

At last, I turn to look at her in the eye. I can hardly bear it.

"Carol... I've wasted so much time thinking about revenge. But I see what I'd have to become... to hurt like we've been hurt.... and I can't. It won't bring our son back. I... I can't do this anymore."

I take the ring off my finger, setting it down on the table.

"I don't have the will."

Carol's hand rests on mine.

"Hal, you're the bravest man I've ever met."

I feel a tightness in the back of my throat. I don't want to cry. I've cried enough.

"I'm a coward. I'm terrified... terrified of losing you, too."

"You're not going to lose me," she says, smiling, for the first time in so long, "I'm not going anywhere."

To my surprise, I smile back.

"Neither am I."

I hold Carol's hand tightly in mine.

"The Green Lantern Corps.... being a superhero... it's given me so much, and even now, after everything, I wouldn't take that back. But I'm done. I don't want to be a Green Lantern anymore. I want to be Hal Jordan. I want to be with you."

Taking Carol by the hand, I lead her out of the apartment and out onto our balcony. The sky hangs above us, vast and endless. I raise my clenched fist overhead, open up my hand. The green ring rests in my palm. The most powerful weapon in the universe, Abin Sur's gift to me. I let it go. It rises out of my hand, hovering in the air, a glowing bright beacon. It latches onto another being in Sector 2814, a being with the ability to overcome great fear. In a stream of emerald light, it launches into the sky. Then, it's gone.

"You and me now, Carol."

I take her in my arms, and kiss her. Carol Ferris, the bravest person I know.

"We'll get through this. together."

THE END​

 

[Byrd Man]

"Okay. Time for bed."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Why can't I stay up?" she whines, before she can complete the next word that her mouth is open to utter Ollie swoops in and tosses her over his shoulder.

"Let's go!" I laugh at Lian's failed attempt at indignation and frustration, a smile glinting in her her eyes as Ollie stomps upstairs, Roy trailing behind.

Mia puts her arm around my shoulder.

"WELL THEN…. anyone for a game of Spoons?"

"OOHHH Still think you can beat me? I play with the masters!"

"YEAH like Zinda holds a candle to me!"

A clank of metal behind us makes us turn to see Connor standing there with two spoons in his hand.

"Bring it."

Roy and I come down the stairs to see everyone playing cards. Mia is laughing loudly and elbowing Connor in the ribs.

"You know, there's a girl upstairs trying to get her sleep. How about keeping it down?"

"You know, everybody needs their beauty sleep."

"Well, in your case they need a lot of beauty sleep."

"...wiseass. So, anyways. What are we playing?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel finishes helping the repairs to Arkham and flies back to Police Headquarters.

He hovers outside of Gordon's window and taps on it.

Gordon opens the window and says, "Hello again Captain Marvel. What can I do for you?"

Marvel replies, "Not much sir just wanted to let you know I'm back on the job."

Gordon says, "Good to hear that I got something that you might be able to help us with."

Gordon hands Marvel a file and says, "He frequently gives us and even Batman trouble from time to time. I thought you might be able to help out with this one and with the U-N Special Summit being held here word is from our contacts he might be gearing up for a sizable payday. Here's all we have on him and the Summit members and their itinerary."

Marvel scans the file and says, "KGBeast interesting profile. I'll deal with it sir."

Gordon takes the file back and says, "Thanks Marvel."

Marvel takes off and heads to the downtown area. He hovers above it and begins studying the route for the Delegates and possible areas KGBeast may choose to strike.

 

[Byrd Man]

Previously

Spoiler

Lawton fires a round from his wrist gauntlets just as I dip to the right. Bullets tears through my cape and I toss my batarang at Lawton and strike both his guns in one fluid motion. The strike knocks his arms back and I leap, striking Lawton in the chest with my boots. I land on top of Lawton and punch him in the throat, causing him to cough and gag.

"Who hired you, Floyd?"

"Go **** yourself."

Lawton swings his arms back around and takes aim at my chest. I fall back to the ground as the bullets shoot up. Most of them avoid me, but one bullet strikes me in the chest and drives me down into the floor.

I grunt and rub the spot in my body armor where Lawton's bullet hit. The armor's cracked and my chest is going to be bruised in the morning, but it's nothing I haven't been through before.

"Come on, Batman, make it an actual challenge. Make me work for my supper."

Lawton stands up and aims again. I roll up on my haunches and toss a batarang at the light above us. The bulb shatters and plummets the room into darkness.

"Please, you know I have night vision, right?"

The eyesight on his mask glows in the dark. I reach into my utility belt and toss a flash grenade at his feet.

"I'm counting on it."

I whip my cape up and shield my eyes as the flash grenade goes off. Bright light floods the room and shorts out Lawton's eyepiece.

"AHH!"

He crumples to the ground as I activate my own nightvision lenses. I take advantage of his temporary disability and leap on him, ripping his guns off his hands and pinning him to the ground.

"Talk! Who hired you?!"

"Get off me and I'll tell you."

"Talk!"

"Fine! Go over to the bookshelf. There's a DVD just for you."

Still holding Lawton down, I look over at the bookcase and see a DVD case with my name written on it. Turning back to Lawton, I punch him in the face and knock him out. I pull myself up and pick the DVD case up, scanning it over.

This is it.

The final piece of the puzzle.

​

The Cave

The batmobile comes to a stop and the top of the cockpit slides open. Batman jump out, his cape swishing behind him as he walks. He yanks the cowl off his head and lets it hang off his neck.

In his hands is a DVD, the only piece of information Deadshot would give up. He has a feeling that he knows exactly what's on that disk. He's had a good idea ever since Croc uttered the name Eric Morecambe. Eric Morecambe, the alias of the man who hired Lawton to kill Joker, is also the real name of a British comedian. Half of the famous comedy duo Morecambe and Wise.

Pulling the DVD out of its case, Batman slides the disc into the computer. The black screen blinks on, basking the cave in the bright light of his white skin.

​

“SURPRIIIIIIIIISE! BLAAAAAHAHA! OOGA-BOOGA-BOOGA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!”

The Joker’s face is pressed against the screen, blowing raspberries out at Batman.

“I’m here to haunt you from beyooond the graaaaave! AWOOOOOO! That’s right, if you are watching this, it means I’m dead, expired, deceased, no longer of this world, finito. It’s curtains for me, and all that remains is this, my final message to you, my dearest friend. I’m sure you have questions, the biggest one being: why would I order my own death?”

The Joker runs a finger along his neck in a theatrical gesture, crossing his eyes and sticking his tongue out the side of his mouth for added effect.

“That’s a very deep question, and the answer is complicated, so I’m going to begin at the end, and explain why I placed the assignment with Deadshot. On the surface, the two of us couldn’t be more different, but in fact ol’ Floyd and I are quite alike, in that boring, clichéd sacred cows like life and death hold little value or meaning to either of us. For me, it’s all about the game, and for him it’s all about the job. From his cold, clinical, utterly objective perspective, the view of a man who didn’t have a horse in the race – who doesn’t have any horse in any race – I gave him the conditional contract a long time ago, with the fee already paid, leaving him with the judgement to act upon it when he felt The Joker/Batman rivalry had become safe, stale and predictable. I didn’t know when death was coming, and frankly I’m surprised it hadn’t happened by the time I made this message.”

The Joker scratches his head in confusion, his brow furrowing.

“Boy, it sure is weird talking about oneself in the past tense. Anyway, you might want to know what I mean by safe, stale and predictable, so allow me to elaborate. You and I were made for each other, two sides of the yin-yang forever encircling one another. Neither of us could ever bring ourselves to kill the other, you claiming a bloated sense of moral superiority, I claiming that you were the mysterious, untouchable Batman and, try as I might, I just never had the chance to kill you. But we were both kidding ourselves. We couldn’t admit it, but what really drove us was that, deep down, neither one of us could live without the other, we gave each other’s lives meaning. We built an elaborate game of chance and wits around this core truth, and it was a perfect system, perfectly capable of sustaining our merry dance forever... and ever... and ever.”

The Joker’s grin begins to fade, a deep sadness filling his eyes.

“Then it all fell apart.”

Letting out a deep sigh, The Joker falls into a deep silence for close to a minute, his fevered mind lost in unsettling thoughts and recollections.

“It was the mask that ruined it. The moment you lost your mask in front of me and I saw, standing before my eyes, Bruce Wayne in a Batman costume. I mean, I knew already. I always knew. How could I not? I know you better than anyone, Batman. I’ll do you the respect of calling you by your real name. Bruce Wayne is the mask you put on during the day so you can walk around with the peons and make-believe that you’re a normal person with feelings and the capacity for human connection. But when night falls, you go into your cave and you peel off your three-piece suit, then you peel off your skin and your dumb, grinning face, and the cape and cowl are underneath... isn’t that right? I know you. I knew... but I couldn’t let anyone in on the joke, not even myself. I could play along and convince myself that if only I knew Batman’s ‘true identity’, I might be able to hit him where it hurts and kill him. It was a nice little illusion, but then I see you without the mask and the phoniness of it all is exposed in plain sight. I couldn’t see you like that and just DO NOTHING. Pandora’s Box had been opened, the illusion shattered, it was all over. I just didn’t know it yet.”

The Joker smiles again, smirking knowingly to himself.

“It’s quite funny, looking back. I can pinpoint the exact moment where I sealed my fate, and I began down the path that ultimately led to my demise. I had just been injured by The Parasite, and shipped off to Arkham for the hundredth time. But this time was different. This time I was imprisoned with the knowledge that Batman and Bruce Wayne were one and the same. And I schemed, I planned, I figured it all out... the dreaded word... the endgame. I curse myself for ever thinking of that stupid word now. Endgame. Why would I ever want this game to end? That big master-gag, you know the one, the one where I murdered Alfred and buried you alive in the desecrated grave of your parents.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

He bursts into wild hysterics, only getting himself under control after a couple of minutes. He wipes a tear of laughter from his eye before continuing.

“Oh, nostalgia. That gag changed the whole dynamic of our danse macabre. I broke the rules, I shifted it from being something endless and evergreen to something finite, something with an expiration date. And when I tried to go back to the usual old routine – remember the antimatter bomb on my island fortress? – it rang hollow. It was no good. I’d peeled back the curtain, and exposed the artifice in our game, exposed that hidden truth that we were both simply playing a role. There was no going back. Only forward, inevitably towards the end. We started hitting the grand final notes of our love ballad. You killed me. I killed you. We broke the sacred, unbreakable rules, the two of us. And we exposed the lie. How long have we said that this was always going to end with you killing me or me killing you? That was a fine thing to say... so long as it never actually happened! But when it did, it became clear that this couldn’t be the end, that we needed it to keep on going. Batman needs a Joker. The Joker needs a Batman. Don’t you see? Don’t you get it!? DON’T YOU GETIT!!!?!?!?!”

The Joker looks hysterical, eyes bulging out of his skull, as he tugs at his hair. He turns his back for a moment, shoulders hunching, then turns to face the screen once more, looking weary.

“I don’t know when the hammer fell, when the executioner came for me. If I were to hazard a guess, I’d say it was after I helped bring you back. When I travelled the world to find you, and I restored you from lost, mindless shell to the Batman of old. Oh, I was so proud of myself. Things would go back to the way they used to be! Only they didn’t, and they never would, would they? I could never win. If I killed you, I knew from experience I’d be adrift, lost in despair, and so I could never kill you again. Every punch I threw from that point on would be pulled. We were always players in a grand fiction, Batman, but now I could see the borders of the pages around me, I had taken what was implied and made it overt. And like a joke explained and dissected, the bite was taken out of the punchline. The Joker had been rendered impotent. So, really, if Deadshot didn’t put a bullet in my head right around then, I don’t know what I paid him for.”

The Joker perks up again, a big, maniacal grin spreading across his face as he moves closer to the screen, as if seeing through it, seeing right into Batman’s eyes.

“But we had some good times, didn’t we? Oh, what a ride it was. There were highs and lows, there were thrills and chills, and there was plenty of bloodcurdling, soul-crushing horror, but through it all, we were together. And now that I’m gone, I worry about you, old friend. You’ve probably kept yourself going lately by devoting your every waking hour to avenging my death, solving the unsolvable case. But now you’ve solved it, and you’re no better off than when you started. The Joker: case closed. Where does that leave you, when you’re alone in bed at night with only the screaming demons in your head to keep you company? Does it keep you up at night, knowing that there’s no Joker to terrorise the city and force you to be forever vigilant... but you’ll still keep on putting on that costume anyway? How does it feel to be going through the motions, Batman? How does it feel to be hollow? How does it feel... to be alone?”

There’s a tear brimming in his eyes, and for a moment it seems like The Joker might be serious in his sympathy. But then he bursts out laughing, a laugh wild and violent in its power, a laugh that Batman hoped to never hear again, that he never would hear again after tonight.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! So long, Caped Crusader! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Auf Wiedersehen, Dark Knight! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Bye bye, Batman! HA! HA! HA!”

And the screen goes black. Curtains.

 

[twylight]

Roy and I come down the stairs to see everyone playing cards. Mia is laughing loudly and elbowing Connor in the ribs.

"You know, there's a girl upstairs trying to get her sleep. How about keeping it down?"

"You know, everybody needs their beauty sleep."

"Well, in your case they need a lot of beauty sleep."

"...wiseass. So, anyways. What are we playing?"

Mia looks up with a smile.

"Spoons."

The moment her eyes glance away Connor grabs one and I dive for the other.

"What th-- HEY!"

I laugh and hand Connor the spoon as he stands up and Mia gathers the cards.

"Good game!"

She rolls her eyes and mumbles under her breath as I push myself off the floor. The spoons mess is hurriedly put away and I'm left with my family alone on the room. This was it...I wait for them to find seats before moving to a central location.

Reaching behind me I unlatch my necklace and slide Saf's ring off it. I place it on the coffee table in front of them.

And then I start. I don't tell them the abridged version I'd given Roy, or the version I'd constructed in my mind, I tell them all of it. Every detail, every feeling, everything. How I became a different person, and how I was shoved back into a life and memories that were so different from the one I'd formed.

I ended it and waited for their reactions. I hadn't even let myself imagine how they'd react.

 

[Byrd Man]

Mia looks up with a smile.

"Spoons."

The moment her eyes glance away Connor grabs one and I dive for the other.

"What th-- HEY!"

I laugh and hand Connor the spoon as he stands up and Mia gathers the cards.

"Good game!"

She rolls her eyes and mumbles under her breath as I push myself off the floor. The spoons mess is hurriedly put away and I'm left with my family alone on the room. This was it...I wait for them to find seats before moving to a central location.

Reaching behind me I unlatch my necklace and slide Saf's ring off it. I place it on the coffee table in front of them.

And then I start. I don't tell them the abridged version I'd given Roy, or the version I'd constructed in my mind, I tell them all of it. Every detail, every feeling, everything. How I became a different person, and how I was shoved back into a life and memories that were so different from the one I'd formed.

I ended it and waited for their reactions. I hadn't even let myself imagine how they'd react.

There's a silence in the room, a pregnant pause as we all trade looks and are unsure what exactly to say.

"So..," I say, reaching for the right words to say. "...what comes next?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel continues scouting the city for potential sites for an assassin to make their move.

From what I've seen the routes are secured and with the GCPD telling the U-N about the potential for an assassination security is going to be very tight.

He then lands on a rooftop and looks further ahead.

With my access as Billy Batson I should be able to prevent an attempt, but we don't know who the potential target could be and if the sources are to be believed the KGBeast is getting set-up for sizable payday so if he succeeds he retires having never been caught.

He lands and changes back into Billy Batson. From there he takes the subway to the Airport.

Might as well get to work on my paying job and see if anything goes from there.

 

[twylight]

There's a silence in the room, a pregnant pause as we all trade looks and are unsure what exactly to say.

"So..," I say, reaching for the right words to say. "...what comes next?"

I take a breath.

"I'm going back." I make my eyes match Ollie's.

"She doesn't belong here, she doesn't belong in a ring. I have to go back."

 

[Byrd Man]

I take a breath.

"I'm going back." I make my eyes match Ollie's.

"She doesn't belong here, she doesn't belong in a ring. I have to go back."

I'll admit, this is pretty weird, but over the years I have heard weirder.

"Alright, when are you going back and what do you need?"

 

[wiegeabo]

Walker looked a little puzzled. The name wasn't bringing any faces to his mind but the way that Sinestro and Kyle reacted, it seems that this was a major threat. Saint Walker decided to contact someone who would have an idea.

"Saint Walker to Ganthet, what do you know of this Mongul that suddenly appeared on Earth?"

A blue image of the Guardian's head appeared above Walker's ring.

"Be careful of Mongul, Lantern Walker. He is one of the most dangerous villians this universe has ever known. He is very powerful and the GLC as well as the Justice League on Earth has dealt with him and his father. Thankfully his father is dead but the son is just as much of a monster. If you do face him, be very careful since it took several Green Lanterns to bring him down in the past. Here is an image of him."

A picture of Mongul showed above Walker's ring. Miri not knowing much about the creature either listen and watched when Ganthet explained things. When the image appeared, her face went green and then red and back to normal. Her sickness and great rage very quickly subsided to loss as she brought her ring close to her heart.

"That was the monster who took my husband away on our honeymoon. It was the loss of my husband that brought this ring to me. This creature didn't care that he killed my husband and I would bet that he would have the same attitude if someone is keeping something from him. No matter how dangerous this...this...thing is, he must be taken care of before he harms anyone else or take loved ones away."

Miri and Walker very quickly follow Rayner towards the location of Mongul.

Mongul slams the head of his opponent into the ground a second time. Then a third.

"Is..is that all you've got?"

"Why aren't you dead yet?" Mongul demands.

"25th century forcefield. You haven't even scratched it yet." Mongul punches Booster Gold in the chest, sending him flying through the air into the side of a German building.

"Although, you've nearly drained it," Booster says, under his breath as he pulls himself out of the wall.

"Are you alright, sir?"

"I've been better." Booster sends a few blasts out from his wrist cannon. Mongul blocks a couple with the shield on his forearm, but a couple do get through and splatter against his chest.

He shrugs them off without appearing to feel them.

"Just great."

Booster dives out of the way as energy destroys the building he had been thrown into.

"Got any ideas, Skeets?"

"Don't get killed, sir."

"We'll call that plan A. Get working on a Plan B, will y?a?"

Booster flies, dodging a couple of laser blasts. But a metal claw attached to a cable hits him in the chest, it's arms clamping around his body. Mongul starts pulling Booster in towards him.

Booster fires his cannons at Mongul, still with little effect, and continues to be drawn ever closer. "This is going to suck."

Suddenly, a wave of turbulent, bubbling, red energy washes over Mongul, melting the cable. Booster drops to the ground and watching as a big, ugly alien slams into Mognul.

"Huh. That's unexpected."

"Please, remain still. I shall have you free in a moment," a blue glowing alien says as he lands next to Booster. He starts cutting the arms of the claw with energy from his ring.

"Didn't know there were a bunch of Lanterns on Earth."

"Trust me," Kyle says as Atrocitus goes flying through the air from a kick in the chest. "I really wish it was under better circumstances."

Kyle brings down a massive continuous bolt of energy onto Mongul. It stuns the villain, but only for a moment. Then he starts marching against the energy.

"Is that supposed to be happening?"

"No," Kyle says bluntly, his normal humor conspicuously absent given the situation at hand.

Booster adds his own beams to the blast, as does Saint Walker. From the air, Atrocitus pours down his rage.

And under the onslaught, Mongul begins faltering. "Knew...needed...deal with...Lanterns..." He twists a dial on his belt, and a forcefield snaps into place. It then reflects all the energy back, sending the Lanterns and Booster Gold flying away from the crater that Mongul now stands in.

Stunned, Booster picks his head up. He checks his systems, and finds the power packs depleted.

"Onto plan B," he quietly says to himself...

 

[twylight]

I'll admit, this is pretty weird, but over the years I have heard weirder.

"Alright, when are you going back and what do you need?"

Well, Ollie was taking it pretty well...

"I'm leaving tomorrow and, I've already asked Connor to come with me."

 

[Byrd Man]

Well, Ollie was taking it pretty well...

"I'm leaving tomorrow and, I've already asked Connor to come with me."

I look over at my son and scowl. He shrugs and I turn back to Dinah.

"What? Why? This is....I don't want to be mean, but I think this is a bit out of his depth. Let me come with you."

 

[Batman]

In the quest to cure himself for The Man of Steel sets upon a grand journey beyond the reach of his modern science and trusted technology.

First, to Paradise Island, where his friend Diana awaits him on the shores...

"I'm sorry, Kal. I wish I had better news to give, but magic isn't nessecarily a matter of predictability. And with your vulnerabilities to mysticism being so potent in the past, the damage could be more than I'm willing to risk."

Superman isn't as persuaded by the danger.

"Surely there has to be something we can try, Diana. A loose spell. Some ancient enchantment. Anything?"

Wonder Woman shakes her head, firmly asserting her stance.

"If there was, I'm afraid that the only reason the Amazons would have withheld it is because it is anything but safe. You'll have to look elsewhere."

Obviously distraught, but not necessarily ungrateful, Superman gives her a polite nod and begins to step back towards a flightpath. As he does, Diana steps forth and lightly grabs him by the wrist.

"Know that if there were any other way, I would gladly help you seek it out. But truth be told, when you came to me looking for a way to rid yourself of this... I instantly saw a look in you that has left me uneased. It's a force that even Amazonians cannot hope to reckon with."

Superman raises an eyebrow. "What look was that?"

Without hesitation, Diana simply narrowed her eyes.

"Uncertainty."

*

"We're receiving unconfirmed reports at this time, ladies and gentlemen, but it seems that there's some sort of a disturbance happening just outside of the Kansas area."

*

Superman's next stop is to the realm of Dr. Fate, a place that cannot be so easily accessed.

Luckily he had the key, in the form of an ancient amulet given as a gift by the mystic himself.

"Were it any other time, Superman, I would be willing to try anything to exorcise this affliction from you."

Kent Nelson's eyes glow at the helmet of Nabu overtakes him, readying himself for the next battle against the dark forces that ravage realms unseen.

"But I'm afraid that your problem would require weeks, perhaps even years of proper study in order to ensure any sort of desirable result. There is a reason that we mystics have yet to cure the blight of cancer, for instance. These problems that affect the human phsiology were not created with magic's hand in mind. They require something deeper that even we have managed to overlook."

Within Fate's realm, Superman sees the literal passage of time before his eyes, and silently wonders if he's to become it's next casualty.

"So you're saying that it's impossible?"

"Not impossible, merely difficult. I suppose that if you really wanted to devote the time to study this over, I could create a pocket dimension that exists outside of the temporal passage. But I imagine that would get very boring."

For a moment, the increasingly worried hero manages to smirk.

"Boring? That's hardly a word I'd use around someone like Dr. Fate."

Fate places his hand on Superman's shoulder.

"Nevertheless, the choice is yours if you'd wish to make it. For now, I must depart to the seventh dimension. Farewell, Superman... and good luck."

Within a flash of light, Dr. Fate has vanished.

And without him, Superman continues on.

*

"Reports are coming in from widespread sources that there appears to be sizemic activity circling the small farming community of Smallville. Citizens are being asked to take shelter immediately, this looks like it could be a big one..."

Begin Secondary Protocol
Pod Two... Active

 

[twylight]

I look over at my son and scowl. He shrugs and I turn back to Dinah.

"What? Why? This is....I don't want to be mean, but I think this is a bit out of his depth. Let me come with you."

I shake my head.

"Connor took on the Green Arrow mantle, I think he's more than capable." I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Ollie, you've built a life here. You have responsibilities, I can't have you leave them for mine."

"I trust Connor as much as I trust you and you should too."

 

[Batman]

A wildfire in Beijing ravages the entire east route of a tourist's trail, entrapping dozens of families and endangering the wildlife. Rescue workers scramble to put out the fire, but it's too great and far too unpredictable. For a moment, all hope of saving lives seems to be lost.

Until they look to the skies.

*

"Diane, could you tell us what's happening there in Smallville?"

"Information is scarce at this time, John, but authorities are rushing to evacuate as many as they can after what appears to be the beginnings of a travelling earthquake just outside of the town. Early estimates put it at a 5, maybe a 6 on the richter's scale, though that number is still yet to be determined."

"And any injuries or casualities to report yet?"

"Not yet, but the situation is still developing. I'm being told that this is not a safe zone, particularly for Smallville locals."

*

"Don't worry, you're all going to be fine."

With a heavy exhale, Superman unleashes a fury of wind upon the wildfire, redirecting it's course high into the skies. Flying upwards, he circles the contained fireball at incredible speeds, creating enough friction to suck out any oxygen left to ignite the heat.

In a matter of seconds, all that is left is smoke. The gathered crowd of once trapped families cheers their hero on, as The Man of Steel looks down and gives them a friendly wave.

And suddenly he's reminded of the real reason that he needs to be cured, even if Fate is right and magic can't help. Not for Lois, not for their child. Not even for Metropolis.

But for the idea that in a world without Superman, someone could die when they could have been saved.

And that isn't a world that he's prepared to accept.

*

"Wait! John, something's happening! We're being told that there's something heading for the area. From the description we're being given, it sounds like Superm-..."

The feed goes down just as a sonic boom errupts in the area. The news anchor is left stunned.

"Diane? Diane, are you there? We'll be right back, it seems we're experiencing some technical difficulties."

*

A sonic boom?

Superman's eyes shift just as he's making his way out of Beijing. Something has caught his attention from millions of miles away. His hearing still falters after the fight with Metallus, but it's adept enough to still hear everything on Earth. But what troubles him the most is that, even from here, he can still recognize the point of origin as a direction that's all too familiar.

His blood runs cold.

"Smallville..."

And in a flash of red and blue, The Man of Tommorow races for the town that he was raised in.

*

"Me..."

Cars explode as he flies through the streets. Glass shatters like sparks flying off a burning ember. Buildings begin to crumble like blocks as he collides through them. All set on a destructive path that not even he can understand the purpose of. But he can hear the words coming out of his mouth. Can feel the wind crossing across his skin as he flies through the air in a randomized circle, creating what appears to be a small twister.

Finally, he can see himself, in the reflection of the broken glass, as he smiles and unleashes the twister onto the innocent citizens of Smallville, Kansas.

"Me am..."

And he realizes that he is sad that he's finally able to do some good for the people he hates.

"Me am here to help."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Billy enters the receiption for the visiting delagates paying attention to any signs of things out of the ordinary.

Been here for two hours everyone is here could be that Gordon's information was wrong. Then again Gordon wouldn't expend the resources of the police department on unreliable information.

Just then Billy notices something out of the norm as the delagates are gathering around the large cake that has been brought in by the kitchen staff.

Why is that kitchen staff member wearing boots when everyone else is wearing dress shoes? Boots perfect for a fast....

Billy quickly exits the party area and in a flash transforms into Captain Marvel.

Within seconds Marvel enters the party and grabs the cake and flings it out of the hotel just as it explodes. The party goers are stunned and frightened at this recent turn of events.

Marvel spots the odd kitchen staff member and grabs him quickly and hoists him upside down. Out of his pocket falls a detonator

Marvel gathers the detonator and gives it to a nearby officer.

He says, "That cake I just got rid of was a bomb and that detonator goes to it."

The would be bomber says, "Yes you caught me I guess you better take me in."

The officer says, "Thanks Captain Marvel we got it from here."

The officer takes custody of the bomber. Just then Marvel notices the bomber is smiling.

Wise as serpants and innocent as doves. He wants to be caught he's a distraction.

Marvel grabs the bomber and says, "Excuse me officer this will only be a minute I'll be right back."

With that Marvel takes the bomber into flight who is now screaming to the top of his lungs.

Marvel says, "What's the plan? Why are you so willing to go into custody? Are you connected with KGBeast?"

The Bomber says, "I won't talk."

Marvel replies, "Okay then I hope you can fly."

He lets the Bomber go who screams as he plumets to earth.

3,2,1,

Marvel swoops in and holds him by his ankle and says, "I think you're ready to talk now."

The Bomber says very frightened, "By this time tomorrow Gotham will be needing a new top cop."

Quickly Marvel delivers the Bomber back to the police and says, "Get every available cop back to Police HQ! The target is Gordon!"

Marvel speeds off to Police Headquarters.

 

[Byrd Man]

I shake my head.

"Connor took on the Green Arrow mantle, I think he's more than capable." I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Ollie, you've built a life here. You have responsibilities, I can't have you leave them for mine."

"I trust Connor as much as I trust you and you should too."

"But...I..."

This is going to be one of the most important journeys of her life, if not the most important...and I'm going to be on the bench for it. I don't really know what to say...I guess...

"Well...I support your decision, and I agree with what you say. I trust Connor, and I trust you and your judgement. Just do me a favor? Wherever the hell it is you're going...don't be too long."