The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season IX

[SuperFerret]

The
GlassGRODD Menagerie
Part Ten: The Beginning of the End​

“Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

"If Grodd's invasion is as big as it's looking, then I'd say we could use all the muscle we can get in taking him down," I say to Captain Marvel. He's one of the heaviest hitters in either the Justice League or the JSA, so having him on board gives us an even better edge over Grodd.

It isn't long before we reach the Eastern Seaboard and have to slow down to subsonic speed; even with all the chaos and turmoil going on across the country, I don't want to add to it with a swath of shattered glass and bleeding eardrums.

We reach Washington DC, and touch down in front of the White House. To think, this isn't even the first time we've had to deal with a supervillain in the Oval Office; at least Luthor got there by getting himself elected, though God only knows how.

Between Billy, Guy, and myself, the animal-people whose uniforms suggest they were once the Secret Service are taken down with little effort. We make our way to the Oval Office, where Grodd is waiting.

"We've already stopped one attempted world conquest today, Grodd," I say to him. "Stand down before we have to take you down as well."

I heard the ruckus before Superman, Captain Marvel and... a White Lantern burst into the Oval Office, MY Oval Office. In spite of Superman's order, I stand up.

And smile broadly.

"Welcome, Superman, to my humble empire. You're here to put a stop to my rule, to 'take me down' as you said. I've been expecting you, and I've prepared. Thank you for bringing along two powerful beings aside from yourself. Your servitude shall be highly useful."

With that, I activate the Beast Bomb I hold with me, filling the building with the transformative magics.

 

[Byrd Man]

I heard the ruckus before Superman, Captain Marvel and... a White Lantern burst into the Oval Office, MY Oval Office. In spite of Superman's order, I stand up.

And smile broadly.

"Welcome, Superman, to my humble empire. You're here to put a stop to my rule, to 'take me down' as you said. I've been expecting you, and I've prepared. Thank you for bringing along two powerful beings aside from yourself. Your servitude shall be highly useful."

With that, I activate the Beast Bomb I hold with me, filling the building with the transformative magics.

[BLACKOUT]"Oh, shi-"[/BLACKOUT]

I'm too slow to create a shield and my knees buckle as soon as the blast hits me. I can hear the Entity crying out somewhere in the back of my mind. Its screams are replaced by another scream, something more primal and feral. The power of my ring shorts out and I fall to the floor, giving in to whatever Grodd has unleashed.

 

[Byrd Man]

I lower the Batwing down towards the Chesapeake Bay and navigate the jet up through the Chesapeake and up into the Potomac. A blip appears on my radar, a signal from a JLA communicator. Oracle mentioned something on the network about JLA commlinks being down. She must have fixed the problem. The beacon's signature says it's Arthur's.

"Aquaman, it's Batman. I'm five minutes outside of DC. We need to meet face to face before we go to the White House. I have a way to defeat Grodd's magic."
​

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The
GlassGRODD Menagerie
Part Ten: The Beginning of the End​

“Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald







I heard the ruckus before Superman, Captain Marvel and... a White Lantern burst into the Oval Office, MY Oval Office. In spite of Superman's order, I stand up.

And smile broadly.

"Welcome, Superman, to my humble empire. You're here to put a stop to my rule, to 'take me down' as you said. I've been expecting you, and I've prepared. Thank you for bringing along two powerful beings aside from yourself. Your servitude shall be highly useful."

With that, I activate the Beast Bomb I hold with me, filling the building with the transformative magics.

Marvel says, "You forget one thing Grodd, and that is with the power of Zues I'm invulnerable to magic and mental attacks!"

He sees Guy drop to the ground in agony.

Holy Moley! I'm invulnerable to magic Guy and Superman aren't! Time to act!

Marvel moves with the speed of Mercury and grabs the Beast Bomb.

He then hovers out of Grodd's reach and says, "All-right Grodd tell me how to shut it down! Otherwise you'll see why I'm called the World's Mightiest Mortal!"

 

[SuperFerret]

The
GlassGRODD Menagerie
Part Ten: The Beginning of the End​

“Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald







Captain Marvel was unaffected by Circe's magic and he grabs the Beast Bomb, trying to use it to reverse the spell cast on the other two. I laugh.

"Fool." I mock, "Can a grenade be reversed when it's spent?" I look to the bestiamorphs surrounding us, among them, Marvel's allies. "Kill him."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The
GlassGRODD Menagerie
Part Ten: The Beginning of the End​

“Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald







Captain Marvel was unaffected by Circe's magic and he grabs the Beast Bomb, trying to use it to reverse the spell cast on the other two. I laugh.

"Fool." I mock, "Can a grenade be reversed when it's spent?" I look to the bestiamorphs surrounding us, among them, Marvel's allies. "Kill him."

Spent? This thing is useless to Grodd, but to me....it's a blue-print!

He hears Grodd give the order. The courage of Achliles tells him to hold his ground. But the Wisdom of Solomon tells him the odds are against him and that these bestiamorphs are his allies and innocents that he could easily destroy.

Marvel set his jaw and says, "I have one thing left to say Grodd..."

He speeds behind Grodd with the speed of Mercury and as he does he whispers, "Shazam"

Marvel sees the lighting bolt strike as he takes to the sky.

Okay time to regroup and get this to someone who might be able to make some sense of it.

Marvel sees the Batwing heading towards DC.

Batman can be really creepy and intimidating but he needs to know my intell and he is the world's greatest detective he might be able to understand this thing.

Marvel flies next to the Batwing and says, "Batman! I've been to the White House Grodd is charge and many people including Guy and Superman have been affected by the magic bomb."

 

[Watchman]

"At that table, at that moment I had an epiphany. In that room Luthor bickered with Luthor, laughed with Luthor, schemed with Luthor...failed with Luthor. It was Luthor to the nth level, a parody, a pastiche. No, I lied there was only one failure in the room. These Luthors that succeded in the same plans where I have failed. Do you want to know why the banded together? Why they pulled me into that room?" He slammed his fist into the table. Eve was silent.

"To ridicule me. To...to help me! I had let the ultimate crime go unpunished. They showed me with irrefutable proof that Superman had gain ultimate power. The power to manipulate the very nature of reality. Don't you understand?! We are all his playthings...how do I know if I'm just something plucked from his mind as a never ending joke. An eternal farce forced to play on a stage created by an alien monster. To dance a dance of fail and error. The clown would appreciate that one."

"You miss him..." Eve quickly covered her mouth. Lex actually smiled.

"He was deranged, unpredictable, and downright irritating. He was the most fascinating company and perhaps the only friend I've ever had." A moment of silence.

"It came to me. If that is the case then I have been doing this all wrong. Superman can not be broken mentally or physically. No, but he can be made irrelevant. The concept of Luthor was keeping a status quo that I kept in my head but if Superman had created that then we have to break it." He press a button and the walls reveal a window to a massive hanger.

"So what are you going to do? Not kill Superman." Luthor laughed. It was possible the most unsettling thing she has ever heard.

Pass the robots and death rays stood Cornelius the ape wearing a space suit over his zoot suit. He smiled a dumb grin and waved. Standing next to him was someone in Luthor's armor. He was fastening a helmet on concealing his identity.


"No...no, heh, I'm Lex Luthor and I can't stop nature but I can mold culture and the future. This is a beginning of a new age. One where god is dead and everyone is enlightened. This is Science Year Zero, Miss Tessmacher, are you ready for the future?"

"Lex...what happened with the council?" He just smiled
********
The armor leap forward into space. He boots ignited and he headed down to Earth. He flew across land masses and finally reached his destination, Washington DC. The armor slammed into the ground near Superman. Compartments exposed all sorts of lasers and explosive and Superman expected the worst. Luthor's amplified voice boomed through the area.

"Grodd! Either leave my planet or get back to the zoo where you belong. I believe you and your brothers are missing a fecal matter throwing contest."

 

[Byrd Man]

Batman can be really creepy and intimidating but he needs to know my intell and he is the world's greatest detective he might be able to understand this thing[/B].

Marvel flies next to the Batwing and says, "Batman! I've been to the White House Grodd is charge and many people including Guy and Superman have been affected by the magic bomb."

"I have a cure. Aquaman is below me and I'm on my way to the White House right now."

My radar beeps out a warning and I turn away from Marvel just to see a blur of white light tear through the Batwing's right side and tackle Marvel. Was that Gardner?

The jet begins twirling and going into a wild spin. I jerk the control yoke and aim the plane for the Potomac River before I hit the eject button and fly out of the cockpit. My body free-falls over Washington DC for a few seconds before I make my cape turn rigid and turn it into a glider. My boots skid against the front lawn at the White House and I come to a stop just outside the building. One of Grodd's soldiers spots me and prepares to attack. I beat him to the punch and toss a batarang at the ape. The soldier catches it in his massive hands and chuckles. The weapon's true purpose kicks in, electrifying and sending a few thousand volts coursing through the ape's body. I step over the smoking and semi-conscious soldier and walk up the steps into the White House.

 

[trustyside-kick]

"I have a cure. Aquaman is below me and I'm on my way to the White House right now."

My radar beeps out a warning and I turn away from Marvel just to see a blur of white light tear through the Batwing's right side and tackle Marvel. Was that Gardner?

The jet begins twirling and going into a wild spin. I jerk the control yoke and aim the plane for the Potomac River before I hit the eject button and fly out of the cockpit. My body free-falls over Washington DC for a few seconds before I make my cape turn rigid and turn it into a glider. My boots skid against the front lawn at the White House and I come to a stop just outside the building. One of Grodd's soldiers spots me and prepares to attack. I beat him to the punch and toss a batarang at the ape. The soldier catches it in his massive hands and chuckles. The weapon's true purpose kicks in, electrifying and sending a few thousand volts coursing through the ape's body. I step over the smoking and semi-conscious soldier and walk up the steps into the White House.

As Aquaman swims up the Potomac River, he now knows that he is up against some sort of magic as Batman just recently contacted him via his fixed JLA commlink via Oracle's talents. Although as he makes it closer to the White House he spots Batwing just a bit ahead above crashing. Picking up speed he swims past where the plane soon crashes and bursts out of the water.

A gorilla soldier of Grodd immediately grabs him by behind, and the Marine Marvel simply rocks his head back, smashing it clean into the villain's skull. As its grip is loosened, he grabs him of his shoulder, throwing him forward and smashing him into another gorilla soldier that was just about to attack Batman.

"After the VD Virus I was hoping that was the last we saw of Grodd for a while. So, you mentioned some sort of countermeasure to Grodd's...magic was it? Since when did he add that to his arsenal?"

 

[Byrd Man]

A gorilla soldier of Grodd immediately grabs him by behind, and the Marine Marvel simply rocks his head back, smashing it clean into the villain's skull. As its grip is loosened, he grabs him of his shoulder, throwing him forward and smashing him into another gorilla soldier that was just about to attack Batman.

"After the VD Virus I was hoping that was the last we saw of Grodd for a while. So, you mentioned some sort of countermeasure to Grodd's...magic was it? Since when did he add that to his arsenal?"

"He has help. Circe is working with him. I was able to find their weakness."

I pull a vial from my belt and toss it towards Aquaman. "Moly. In the myths, it's the only thing that can combat Circe's magic. I combined Moly with a few chemicals to create a vaccine to the magic bombs. Take it, and you won't end up like everyone else."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"He has help. Circe is working with him. I was able to find their weakness."

I pull a vial from my belt and toss it towards Aquaman. "Moly. In the myths, it's the only thing that can combat Circe's magic. I combined Moly with a few chemicals to create a vaccine to the magic bombs. Take it, and you won't end up like everyone else."

Circe.

The Marine Marvel has dealt with magical villains of different variety, but this villain of Wonder Woman's is one he has yet to deal with. Although he knows of the tales of myth about Circe, and how she would transform men into beasts. Hence explaining the creatures roaming the entire US outside of Grodd's gorilla soldiers.

There was one time that the Aquatic Ace led to the idea of liking magic...and that was because it led to the capture up Devilfish. But right now, his mindset is back to the norm.

"I hate magic."

He swallows the contents of the vial.

"Now what. How do we fix the present dilemma that several leagues of the US population are now raging and ravaging beastmen?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Circe.

The Marine Marvel has dealt with magical villains of different variety, but this villain of Wonder Woman's is one he has yet to deal with. Although he knows of the tales of myth about Circe, and how she would transform men into beasts. Hence explaining the creatures roaming the entire US outside of Grodd's gorilla soldiers.

There was one time that the Aquatic Ace led to the idea of liking magic...and that was because it led to the capture up Devilfish. But right now, his mindset is back to the norm.

"I hate magic."

He swallows the contents of the vial.

"Now what. How do we fix the present dilemma that several leagues of the US population are now raging and ravaging beastmen?"

Marvel says, "There are three possibilities that I can think of."

Marvel looks at the vial Aquaman drank and says, "Perhaps if we can produce enough of the antidote I can get it into the atmosphere and let it disperse."

He continues, "Or if I can take what have now and begin flying through the US with it and curing some of the people and then synthesize more from the anti-bodies of those already cured.

He then look to the White House and says, "Or we can go in there give Grodd a pounding and see if he admits that there is some kind of kill switch for what is going on. It's your call gentlemen I'm willing to follow your lead on this one."

 

[Byrd Man]

Marvel says, "There are three possibilities that I can think of."

Marvel looks at the vial Aquaman drank and says, "Perhaps if we can produce enough of the antidote I can get it into the atmosphere and let it disperse."

He continues, "Or if I can take what have now and begin flying through the US with it and curing some of the people and then synthesize more from the anti-bodies of those already cured.

He then look to the White House and says, "Or we can go in there give Grodd a pounding and see if he admits that there is some kind of kill switch for what is going on. It's your call gentlemen I'm willing to follow your lead on this one."

"I used Firestorm to create enough antidotes for everyone and the Flash is currently in the process of administering it to those affected, as well as everyone else who may come into contact with Grodd's bombs."

I climb up the steps and enter the White House. Knowing Grodd, he's in the Oval Office and sitting behind the Presiden't desk. I'm currently in the East Wing, a full wing away from the Oval Office.

 

[SuperFerret]

The
GlassGRODD Menagerie
Part Ten: The Beginning of the End​

“Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Marvel set his jaw and says, "I have one thing left to say Grodd..."

He speeds behind Grodd with the speed of Mercury and as he does he whispers, "Shazam"

Marvel sees the lighting bolt strike as he takes to the sky.

Only my simian reflexes save me from being destroyed by the lightning bolt that barrels down from the sky onto me. The smell of singed fur fills the air as I look to my remaining Bestiamorph slaves.

"KILL HIM!"

The armor leap forward into space. He boots ignited and he headed down to Earth. He flew across land masses and finally reached his destination, Washington DC. The armor slammed into the ground near Superman. Compartments exposed all sorts of lasers and explosive and Superman expected the worst. Luthor's amplified voice boomed through the area.

"Grodd! Either leave my planet or get back to the zoo where you belong. I believe you and your brothers are missing a fecal matter throwing contest."

"Luthor." I spit his name out like a bad taste, "A poo-throwing joke, really? I'd have thought you were above such things."

I smile and look to Superman, now transformed by Circe's magic. Odd, I think, that it took a bit longer in him. Perhaps it's a trick of biology, or due to his power, but he'll soon be within my power.

"Your long-time foe will soon be within my thrall, Lex." I set a wider stance, facing off against the human, "Do you think you can defeat me before he falls and tears you in half?"

 

[Andy C.]

I had tried to outrun the shockwave of Grodd's blast--at this point, I can outrun virtually anything not moving within a few decimal places of lightspeed, maybe even keep up with Barry or Wally going all-out. But I apparently can't outrun magic. All the invulnerability and strength in the world still does me no good if I'm up against a magical weapon--my powers are still confined to a set of physical rules, which are exactly what magic breaks.

Just minutes ago I had thrown around Despero like he was nothing, but now I'm powerless to Grodd's scheme.

Every muscle in my body twists and contorts, the agonizing pain of the transformation taking hold. Guy changes before I do, as the beast-bomb is configured to transform humans, and apparently takes longer on Kryptonians. Captain Marvel escapes, hoping to regroup. If I can't break Grodd's control, I can only pray the League can come up with a way to take me down.

As my senses reel, my thought process starts to slow, complex ideas and emotions giving way to base sensations. Pain. Anger. Hunger.

Have to fight it.

Can't give in.....

As I collapse to the ground, I see a foot clad in armor standing before me. Looking up, I see it's someone the world has been led to believe is dead, someone I fully expected to see again, but not like this....

"...Lex," I hiss through gritted teeth, still trying to hold onto the meaning of words, onto thoughts above animal instinct. "....run."

Claws erupt from my fingertips, and my teeth become fangs. My hair grows into a wild mane around my head, as I take the form of a lion creature.

Have to hold on to thoughts.......

....think....

....fight.....

.....fight....

....kill.

......kill.

 

[SuperFerret]

"I used Firestorm to create enough antidotes for everyone and the Flash is currently in the process of administering it to those affected, as well as everyone else who may come into contact with Grodd's bombs."

I climb up the steps and enter the White House. Knowing Grodd, he's in the Oval Office and sitting behind the Presiden't desk. I'm currently in the East Wing, a full wing away from the Oval Office.

"Good plan." I say as I enter behind Bruce and the others. They look back at me, surprised looks on their faces. I shrug as I stand there, holding a tied, gagged and unconscious Circe in one hand, both of us still dripping from the underwater detour I took our fight to. I offer an explanation for my sudden arrival.

"My plane is invisible."

 

[Watchman]

"Luthor." I spit his name out like a bad taste, "A poo-throwing joke, really? I'd have thought you were above such things."

I smile and look to Superman, now transformed by Circe's magic. Odd, I think, that it took a bit longer in him. Perhaps it's a trick of biology, or due to his power, but he'll soon be within my power.

"Your long-time foe will soon be within my thrall, Lex." I set a wider stance, facing off against the human, "Do you think you can defeat me before he falls and tears you in half?"

"One, an old friend would have appreciate the joke." A missle launcher pop out of his shoulder.

"Two, can I beat you?" Undoubtedly." One of Luthor's armored hand opens up. A pylon shoots out of it. He raised his weapons.

"These weapons were designed to bring down the forces of gods that are far beyond your power scope. I highly doubt you would be a problem."

Have to hold on to thoughts.......

....think....

....fight.....

.....fight....

....kill.

......kill.

The Super Lion tackled Luthor. A missile flies over Grodd's head while a laser destroys the wall next to him. Luthor used his free hand to keep back the sharp teeth of his foe.

"If there is any of you left in there listen to me, Get off!" He propels the lion into a wall. "The one time I actually try to assist you, you try to devour me." An orb appeared in the palm in his hand. It unraveled itself forming five smaller Lex Luthors.

"Luthorbots keep him busy. The ape is mine." The Luthorbots leap onto the lion. He presses his palms together and an energy sword appears in his hands.

"Now you smug simian, where were we?"

 

[SuperFerret]

The
GlassGRODD Menagerie
Part Eleven: Evil Turns In Upon Itself​

“Active Evil is better than Passive Good." - William Blake

"Now you smug simian, where were we?"

Luthor's foolish challenge is answered by the canine former President of the United States as he snarls and pounces onto the armored businessman.

"Politicians. Always opportunistic with their attacks." I say, "But you already know that, don't you Former President Luthor."

"It's too bad Lex, you were one of the few Homo sapiens I grudgingly held respect for. I may have allowed you to become a gorilla in my New World Order." Grasping my combat spoon with both hands, I leap at Luthor, swinging my weapon downward, aiming to disarm him as the bestiamorph President distracts him. "But now, you DIE!"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

"I used Firestorm to create enough antidotes for everyone and the Flash is currently in the process of administering it to those affected, as well as everyone else who may come into contact with Grodd's bombs."

I climb up the steps and enter the White House. Knowing Grodd, he's in the Oval Office and sitting behind the Presiden't desk. I'm currently in the East Wing, a full wing away from the Oval Office.

Marvel says, "Well at least that should at least take care of the people, and now we need to get to the mastermind of this plan and teach him some lessons about making monkeys out of the League."

He sheepishly shrugs at his pun and says, "Sorry it just came out."

"Good plan." I say as I enter behind Bruce and the others. They look back at me, surprised looks on their faces. I shrug as I stand there, holding a tied, gagged and unconscious Circe in one hand, both of us still dripping from the underwater detour I took our fight to. I offer an explanation for my sudden arrival.

"My plane is invisible."

Marvel smiles and says, "Impressive taking care of Circe Wonder Woman and I think it goes without saying we can use your help."

He looks back at the group and says, "Speaking of help do we have anymore antidote on us? Guy was transformed and I'll bet by now we will have a super-powered animal who is supposed to be Superman that we will have to deal with."

 

[Byrd Man]

Marvel smiles and says, "Impressive taking care of Circe Wonder Woman and I think it goes without saying we can use your help."

He looks back at the group and says, "Speaking of help do we have anymore antidote on us? Guy was transformed and I'll bet by now we will have a super-powered animal who is supposed to be Superman that we will have to deal with."

"Yes. I have a half dozen more vials in my belt we can easily use when the time comes. For now, we're needed."

Captain Marvel leads the way into the White House and through the room and hallways to the Oval Office.

"It's too bad Lex, you were one of the few Homo sapiens I grudgingly held respect for. I may have allowed you to become a gorilla in my New World Order." Grasping my combat spoon with both hands, I leap at Luthor, swinging my weapon downward, aiming to disarm him as the bestiamorph President distracts him. "But now, you DIE!"

I quickly pull a taser gun from my belt and shoot two connectors into Grodd's chest. Sixty thousand volts runs through the ape's body, dropping him to the ground just inches in front of Luthor.

"Pack it in, Grodd. Flash is curing the people who were caught in your bomb blasts. It's over."

 

[J'adore]

O R A C L E

The country's in turmoil. The Justice League are currently dealing with the whole White House crisis. The Teen Titans (which I still do not approve of) are currently dealing with these crazy beasts, and coping with the new arrival of yet another Star Sapphire (as if Carol Ferris wasn't enough already). The Justice Society seem to be all over the place, dealing with other groups of these beasts. I've re-located Zatanna, Huntress and Harley to Central City. For now, I'm keeping a close eye on Supergirl. She seems to be coping fine in Metropolis, but I'm positive that she can break down at any time.

I'm back here in the Clocktower, checking on all the latest villains that seemed to have escaped Arkham. Most of them have been re-captured, but others seem to have fled. I'd located all the cameras nearby the area, and it seems that Cheshire and her two bunny girls are assisting the fleeing inmates...But why? Cheshire kills, and kills for money. Cheshire does not help fellow villains. Unless of course, she's being paid lots and lots of money.

"H-Hello!? Barb-Oracle, is that you!?"

I hear a stressed voice call out from the computer. The computer's tracked the call from Smallville, specifically called by Lois Lane. Once Flamebird, currently Superman's wife and a mother-to-be. Perhaps I should go to her about nuptial advice. "Yes, it's me, Lois. What's wrong?"

I hear vicious growls in the background, accompanied by a faint scream. The beasts. It's the only possible explination. "What the hell are these things! I'm sure this level of stress is not good for the baby I'm - argh- carrying!"

"Beasts. Circe's warped creations of how men should really be viewed. Just try to fight them off as much as you can, I'll send someone down there. Just hang on in there,"

"What do you think I'm doing!? I'm using all the combat skills I can but they still wont go down!"

"I thought you were at the Planet?"

"Lunch break. I went down to the barn to find Martha being attacked, so I quickly fought some off. We're alright, but I don't know how much longer we can fight these things off!"

"Find as many weapons as you can. Guns, arrows, swords. Protect yourselves, but do not murder them. The latest I've heard is that Circe's magic is in the process of being blocked, so it won't be long until they're re-formed back to humans. Do not kill."

"There's too many of them, we need assistance n-now! Where is Clark!?"

"I'm right on---"

As I sprint over to the Justice League comm-link, I feel a sharp pain below my shoulder blades. Too sharp and painful to ignore. It takes a moment for me to absorb the intense pain that travels through the back of my shoulder. I elongate my right arm over my shoulder to feel the wound. My finger tips trace over a small blade, my grip slowly tightening around the weapon and yanking it out with full force. The pain sends a shiver down my spine. I grunt and fall forward on to the computer, swiftly moving out both arms to stop me from smashing on to the keyboard. "What's the matter? Cat gotcha tongue?"

My ears pick up a slight asian accent from behind me. A sinister chuckle follows. Cheshire. Oh god, it's f*****g Cheshire. I'm really not in the mood to have my ass kicked right now. Oh...Who am I kidding? I'm Barbara Gordon. I taught all those girls how it was done. "Oh please. Catwoman used that joke two years ago. Time for some new one-liners, dontcha think?"

Banter. Always a good way to start off a cat fight. Especially with some psycho crazy ass b***h who wants your head on a plate.

"Incase your brain wasn't smart enough to work this out...I was the one who kidnapped Ms Huntress. So, if you don't mind...I'd like her back please. I have a bounty to fill, after all."

She stretches out her right arm, a small dagger held loosely in her palm. Next thing I know, the blade's coming right at me. Come on, as if it was that easy to kill me. I'm ten times better than that. I've got brawn and brains. And the beauty, too. "I really, don't have time for you." I swiftly dodge the incoming attack, the knife propelling straight towards the walls and piercing itself within the wallpaper. I liked that wallpaper.

I tighten my fists. I need to help Lois, but if I turn my back for even a second, she'll kill me. That wound is god damn killing me. If I wasn't in pain right now, I so would of back flipped on to that computer. But I guess we'll have to get this over and done with, the quickest way possible. "How did you even get in here!?" I exclaim, running forward and sharply kicking Cheshire up the nose.

Her nose clicks, but no reaction seems to come out of Cheshire. Instead, her movements do all the talking. The asian female jumps up in to the air, launching in to a forward flip and striking her foot across my jaw. I spin back on to the wall, taking time to re-collect myself. That b*tch knows how to kick.

Before Cheshire can even move in her for her second attack, my two arms block her swift hands, trapping them within my palms. I push her hands back and quickly swipe her across the face a couple of times. I make sure it hurts. One across the temple, one round the jaw and one in the eye. I take her moment of shock and use it by shoving my fingers right in the centre of her neck. My hand moving almost like a cobra.

A move Dinah taught me. Not, Bruce.

Of course, Cheshire doesn't give up that easily. She swoops down low and kicks my ankles out from below. I slam hard on to the floor, and my head goes spinning when Cheshire slams her knee around the back of it. She certainly packs a punch. I can't recover quick enough. The pain is too immense. I feel my hair being pulled, almost ripped off my scalp. I'm in too much shock to let out any kind of scream. My neck's punched and my stomach's kicked. It's too much...Too much for me...I can't, I can't....."B*tch.."

I'm on my hands and knees. I spit out pellets of blood and shake my head slightly. My vision's dazed and I feel weak. I need to regain some of that strength. Put up one last fight...That's all I need...One last frickin fight! I can't let her kill me. I can't die now, especially with my wedding coming up. I've got a whole generation to teach! And some petty, powerless assassin is not going to take that away from me. "Stop!"

Using every ounce of strength I have left, I slam both fists directly in to Chesire's abdomen, quickly moving my leg up high and kicking her across the upper chest. I slam the side of my hand in to her neck and send a powerful knock to her temple. Adrenaline. It's what I need right now. I sprint across the floor, pouncing towards the weapons cabinet and grabbing an old bo staff. Of course, in the past I'd modified this to make sure it suits me better. A simple bo staff would not do for me. "Cute...we're playing with toys now?"

Cheshire holds a strong katana in her hands, supposedly with great ease. I'm sure this bo staff would take that katana by a landslide. We exchange quick glances, both of our faces cut, bruised, bleeding. My senses are a bit off, and I hope to god so are her's. My wound on my back's gone numb, probably from all the pain recieved from all the other wounds.

My heart pounds against my chest. Breath, after breath, after beat, after beat. It's a tense situation, sweat crawling down from my forehead and neck. My ears pick up the faint sound of my computer sending out various alerts towards me. It's time to end this. Right. Now. "But yours doesn't send volts of electricity through it's end,"

She swings her blade towards me and I quickly block it with my staff. I pull the staff away and duck under her swipe, sliding through her legs. I jump to my feet, twirling the bo staff elegantly around my fingers. As she turns on one foot, I slam the bo staff around the back of her neck, and then across her face. I flick a small switch on the staff, and my eyes set sight on the marvelous wonder.

BBZZZTTT

The sound's identical to a supposed Livewire attack. And so is the effect. The electricity explodes from the staff, the metal conducting it and transporting in to Cheshire's chest. She struggles for a few seconds, trying to resist the electricity. It won't kill her, just send her in to some unconcious state. Long enough to get her locked up again. "It's only the beg-zzzz--inn--zzz-ing...Don't---bzzz---shoot---zzzz---the messen---bbzzz---ger...bbzztztt"

Before I can ask her what she's rambling on about, her eyes roll back and she falls down flat on the floor. The electricity volts stop and I look down at her. I actually...I actually did it. I beat the crap outta Cheshire. Me, Barbara Gordon. The human computer, beat the world's second deadliest assassin. With a little help of my trusty bo staff of course. B-but then, why do I feel so tired? Why do I experience so much pain? Why do I feel like I'm going to pass out?

Why is everything so dark... Why is...

Everything goes black. I've passed out.
​

 

[wiegeabo]

"Ya think?"

"I'm surprised Stewart's fellows in the League hadn't already discussed this with him. I met Mary and her daughter during the viral attack on Metropolis. I was impressed with her strength and found myself attracted to her..."

"I think we get the idea."

"Oh, I'm more than willing to continue and lay out every detail of my personal life for you," I say with heavy sarcasm.

"The only detail we want to know is why you're still on this planet after betraying the Corps, the League, and throwing in with Parallax."

"My brief time as Parallax didn't provide explanation enough?"

"Enough lip. Get off Earth."

"You're not even going to ask nicely?"

"This is me being nice."

"...Indeed."

We stand and stare at each other for several seconds.

"Oh, you mean now?"

"You smug sonuva-" Stewart puts his hand in front of Wildcat, keeping him at bay."

"Civilians," Stewart says.

"I would not have fought you here and risk their lives. And I was already planning on leaving this world. After breakfast."

The two look at each other. "Seriously?"

"Yes. I was going to travel to Oa."

They look at each other again.

"Going to turn yourself in as the criminal you really are, by any chance?"

"...hardly. I plan on meeting with the Guardians and discussing a truce..."

Once again I illicit a moment of stunned silence. I'm starting to enjoy this.

"You want a truce with the Guardians." Stewart says flatly.

"Not just with the Guardians. With all the Corps."

"Ok, now you're just blowin' smoke."

"I...have no idea what that means."

"He thinks your lying."

"Ah. Colorful human expressions." I shake my head. "I understand your reluctance to trust what I'm saying."

"Reluctance?! You tried to rewrite the universe."

"For the better."

"Can you believe this guy?" Wildcat asks Stewart.

"Not for a second." Stewart addresses me again. "Listen Sinestro, if you want to see the Guardians, I'll be glad to give you a personal escort. Right into an Oan cell."

"Really, Stewart. I'm extending my hand in a gesture of peace. I did help you stop Darkseid."

"More like save your own hide."

Before more retorts can fly, Stewart's ring sparks to life with an emergency broadcast. Apparently the Earth, or this particular country, or some such, is under attack again. And the League is needed. It sounds as if Grodd is behind thing latest attack. I find myself glad I no longer associate with such a megalomaniacal personality.

"It sounds as if you have more pressing matters to attend to than me. So, if you'll excuse me, I have a breakfast waiting."

"You really haven't changed, have you. You're still the same smug, son of a-"

"Come on, Wildcat. Sinestro's right. We need to deal with the emergency first."

"I don't suppose you're gonna help," Wildcat says to me.

"Not this time. Like I just said, my concerns lie beyond just this world."

"Yeah, I didn't think so. Come on." And, finally, the two lift off into the sky and leave me in peace.

I shake my head. They never will understand just how big this universe is. And that there's always something more important to worry about out there.

Still, no point in wasting the moment. I head back inside the house, the smell of food putting a smile on my lips...

 

[sumowrestler]

"Human? They look more beastial then the humans I encountered like Carol Ferris."

Miri flies up and looks over the crowd.

"Ring, scan this group of creatures."

A wide violet ray extends from the ring starting on the left and slowly moves over the group towards the right.

Their hearts and minds been altered drastically but still human in their core.

As Miri was scanning, some cracks started to develop in the walls with loud popping sounds. The beasts keep on pounding on it trying to get through to the Teen Titans. Miri flies back down to the group.

"I hope that we can enforce that wall and soon. I'm sure that the wall won't last much longer.

 

[Andy C.]

I quickly pull a taser gun from my belt and shoot two connectors into Grodd's chest. Sixty thousand volts runs through the ape's body, dropping him to the ground just inches in front of Luthor.

"Pack it in, Grodd. Flash is curing the people who were caught in your bomb blasts. It's over."

Pain.

Anger.

Hunger.

Kill.

Look up. See dark man hurting master. No one hurts master. Kill dark man.

"RAAAAAAAAAGGHHH!!!!"

Roar at dark man, charge. Jump at dark man, but crash through wall. Stop far away from house, floating in sky.

Too strong, can't control strength. Went too far.

Look back for dark man. Focus sight....see underground. See too far. Cannot find dark man.

Fly to house, find man to kill. Crush wall. Crush ceiling. Want to find dark man and crush him.

"Rrrrrrgghhh......."

See through walls to find him. See too far again, look right through dark man. Need to hear him, smell him.....then kill him.

 

[Optikal]

Previously:

Spoiler

PRIDE
.Chapter 2.
​

Now.

Blake knew in his own experience that the job shouldn't be this easy. Even though he was supremely confident in his own skills, the Gray Man had something of serious value and yet the protection he had outfitted his home with was terribly amateur. Catman had easily disabled the surveilence cameras and the guard dogs had gone down as silently as poisoned meat offered. Though the thunderstorm that was raging on this night would have allowed him a noisier method of dispatch.

Dropping through a window of the mansion, Blake found himself in pitch darkness. Taking a moment to let his adjust he sniffed the air, his senses coming alive to the array of scents. Wood Polish gave way to dust. Someone had eaten spaghetti three hours or so before. There was also the lingering mix of seat and jasmine. And feline fur. Catman braced as shadows started to come into focus. He was in a small room in the east wing of the large house. The room itself was unremarkable. A chair in the corner. A lamp. Bookshelves. Catman placed his hand held claws over his knuckles and made for the door, heading into the corridor.

As was dark. He could hear sound from somewhere, like a TV or a radio playing in the distance. Catman knew that the card was in a room upstairs and so he made his way through the hall and into the main atruim that housed a large dramatic staircase. Evidently a life of crime had paid off for this 'Gray Man'.

Silently and stealthy as the best ninjas Blake made his way the stairs. As he neared the top he stopped. The scent of feline fur had grown stronger. It was too dark to see properly but he could feel eyes watching him. He bristled, muscles tightening, eyes darting for sign of movement. From outside, a ferocious flash of lighning illuminated the darkness of the atrium and Catmans eyes drew straight to their target.

"Bronze Tiger" Catman snarled.

"Creeping around in the dark, Catman? How very... you!"

"Heh" Catman growled, clearly unimpressed. "Step out my way Tiger and you'll not get hurt".

Bronze Tiger made his way around the balcony to stand at the top of the stairs. "You do realise that you're talking to perhaps the greatest fighter in the world?"

"I guess we're going to put that title to the test then" Catman sneered. With a snarl he leapt at the warrior but Tiger shifted his weight, snapped around a high kick that connected with Blakes chest and sent him reeling down the stairs. Blake landed hard and pain lanced through his hip but he pushed it from his mind and rolled to his feet.

In the time it had taken to do so, Bronze Tiger was stood in front of him, arms folded across his chest."Stay down, Catman. You can't win this one. I'll let you leave if you like but if you stay there's only two places you can go... The hospital or the morgue".

Blake looked on and wiped a small trickle of blood that had escaped his mouth. "Ah well, what the hell; I could use a rest anyhow!" His eyes shone with rage and once more, he leapt at his adversary...

​

​

PRIDE
.Chapter 3.
​

Blake grunted in pain as his arm was twisted almost out of its socket. Bronze Tiger was possibly the best martial artist in the world and as he sent Blake into the ground, Catman knew he could not beat the man in direct combat.

"Stay down". Tiger commanded, hovering over his adversary, but just out of striking distance.

Blake laughed and spat a thick wad of blood from his mouth, his feral glare regarding the warrior. "Come on Tigger, we both know you don't have the stones to finish this!"

Bronze Tiger shook his head and dropped back into a fighting stance. "Your death wish is pathetic Blake. Come now, meet your end".

Catman dragged himself to his feet. Fire lanced through his body under his ribs but with gritted teeth he shrugged it off. Like lightning, Tiger leapt forward...

*BLAM BLAM BLAM*

Three shots shattered the wide windows of the large house and Bronze tiger crumbled to the floor. Catman glanced around and sniffed the air. His senses didn't need to be called into action though as the man who had fired the shots emerged from the darkness.

"Lawton?!" Catman exclaimed, fist curling around the long blade he had just scooped up.

"Live and in the flesh, kitty cat" Deadshot exclaimed.

"You're here for the prize?" Catman asked, circling the man.

"Yup!"

"Well then you're going to have kill me too" Catman snarled.

Deadshot laughed and turned away from Catman. "Maybe another time. For tonight at least I'm here to watch your back and make sure you complete the mission".

Catman scowled and watched the assassin as he nonchalantly lifted his mask and lit a smoke. "You serious? Who sent you?"

A thin cloud blew out from nostrils as Deadshot exhaled. "Some schmuck called Mockingbird. Told me he's sent you and I had to back you up or complete the job if you went down".

"Heh" Catman snorted. "Nice to know my employers have faith in me".

Deadshot snorted and shook his head. "So long as the money rolls in who gives a f**k?"

Catman nodded in agreement. "We better hurry, this 'Gray Man' is supposed to be a pretty serious bit of work. We get the box and we get out".

"Nice easy payday" Deadshot grunted.

"What are we going to do with Tigers body?"

"He's not dead" Deadshot said "just unconcious. 3mm more to the right and he would have been though. We leave him, serves as a message of intent".

"You're a sick puppy Deadshot" Catman remarked, heading for the stairs.