The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season IX

[Byrd Man]

​

Damian and I watch the activity around the Iceberg Lounge from a rooftop across the street.

"Can we go in yet?"

"Not until I see Vincent."

Valet shuttled cars come and go from the front entrance. All the cars are worth more than what most people make in a year. You can get anything you want at Cobblepot's club, which is why Gotham's rich, famous, and elite all go to the Iceberg Lounge to party. I've been a few times myself.

Penguin was captured by Captain Marvel and put in Blackgate a week ago, since then he's had a man taking care of his business on the outside. Vincent Martinez, a previously convicted felon with a record as long as Ralph Dibny's arm.

A black sports car pulls into the valet parking and Vincent, looking dapper in a white suit, steps out.

"There he is. We have six minutes and twenty-two seconds starting now. You remember what you have to do?"

"Please. Who do you think I am, Drake?"

"Let's go."

I shoot a grapnel into the air and swing towards the Iceberg Lounge with Damian close behind. We both gently land on the roof and creep across it towards the back of the club. There's a skyline leading into the back office.

"Activate your lenses."

Damian nods and taps his mask at the same time I do. The UV lenses shine a new light on the area.

"I see a laser grid beneath the window, three feet below the glass."

"Then there's the lasers a foot off the ground. It should be tricky to get around. Think you're up to it?"

"-tt-."

Damian gently pries the glass from the skylight and pulls it back.

"The security console is by the door. You have the decrypter on your belt."

Damian climbs through the skylight and drops towards the ground, twirling through the laser grid with ease. The laser grid on the floor is rushing towards him, but Damian shifts his body and lands on the desk with a slight thump, standing just a few feet above the floor.

He pulls the decrypter off his belt and hooks a line to it, swinging the device over his head and tossing it across the room towards the security console. The decrypter locks into place on the security console with a click. The device goes to work, decrypting the security code. The console lets out a beep and the laser grid fades away.

I pull myself through the window and land on the floor by the desk.

"We've got three minutes and ten seconds left. Wait for Vincent by the door. I'll do the rest."

I sit behind the desk and crack into the computer. Penguin never kept records, preferring to do it all by memory. Vincent is younger and thrust into a new role. If what I'm looking for isn't on this computer, it's in his phone.

The door into the office creaks open and Vincent flicks on the light switch. Damian flicks it off and tosses Vincent into the room in one swift move. Before he can scream, I leap out from behind the desk and tackle him to the ground, my gloved hand on his mouth.

"Hello, Vincent. We'd like to talk."

 

[sumowrestler]

I rub my chin in thought. "It's a distinct possibility. Controlling one ring requires immense control. Controlling multiple rings, at the same time, against experienced wielders?"

"Who or what ever is stalking us, we're stronger together. And once we have representatives from the remaining three Corps-"

"Are you serious? Larfleeze cannot be trusted, and the power of love is only slightly less pathetic than that of compassion. Better we strike now, while we still may have the element of surprise."

"And just where do we strike? And what if our four segments of the spectrum aren't enough?"

"You would give the killer more time? More time to strike down more members of our Corps?"

Atrocitus steps up to me, virtually growling. I sigh with impatience. Trying to instill fear in me, of all people.

"Stifle your rage until it's needed, because I do agree with you in part. We shouldn't waste anymore time. We need to find a Star Sapphire. And we all happen to know where one calls home..."

"So once we get the other three representatives, with Larfleeze being very likely one of them, how are we going to find the rogue ring slinger? Do you have scouts or lookouts, Sinestro? Are you able to think like this rogue Lantern since yourself was a rogue and in some view points still one? It will be interesting to see how the Zamarons take to your idea, Sinestro, once we get there if that is where we are heading. Don't be too surprised that whoever we talk to of their Corps will be a bit hestitant even with Lantern Kyle and me with you. Atrocitus won't help the cause unless he keeps his rage and ring under control. We had a common enemy in the Black Lanterns and Darkseid. We now have another common enemy even if we don't know who it is, yet. Hopefully things will turn out well and the Corps won't lose too many more members."

 

[Batman]

"He said that Luthor's virus was only the beginning."

In a world of dangerous madmen looking to exploit every one of his secrets, The Man of Steel and his mortal wife had often found that the best place for them to be able to talk freely and openly was on the rooftop of The Daily Planet itself. The location held a tremendous sentimental value for them both, having been a favorite for years and home to some of their most cherished memories and moments. Notably, it was the spot where intrepid young Lois Lane first met her future husband in his heroic persona, landing her a Pulitzer for the subsequent story that unfolded after Superman's first public interview. With his uncertain future at the forefront of his mind, Superman crossed his arms and looked out at Metropolis, unable to avoid the memories that were beginning to flow back into his mind. Lois shared her husband's gaze, but with a look of certain skepticism.

"I can certainly understand why you'd be a little spooked, Clark, but let's make something perfectly clear. Individuals from the future aren't the most reliable sources we've come across. Remember the man from Raan, who predicted the apocalypse that never came?"

Superman narrowed his eyes. "I know, Lois. And I get where you're coming from. If there's anything we've all learned about the future and these parallel worlds, it's that we control our own destinies in the present. But I still can't help but feel like there's something to Ferro-Lad's claims."

Lois rested her head on his shoulder, gently massaging his back underneath the cape. Even to a man who could easily bench-press an entire freight ship atop his spine and feel nothing but a tickle, the sensation was incredibly relaxing.

"Look, I'll be the first to admit that you've only barely avoided certain disasters in the past, but I don't think whatever Luthor threw at you is on the level of Darkseid. He was always trying to develop the perfect solution to wipe you off of the face of the Earth. Why should this time be any different?"

Superman sighed to himself, tenderly wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"I can't really explain it, it's just a feeling that I have deep down. Something instinctual, telling me of something that's terribly wrong. Besides, I thought you were more concerned about this. What's happened to change your mind about it so suddenly?"

Smiling, Lois looked down at the growing bump that was once a flat stomach.

"Remember when we always said we'd never have kids?"

Looking over, Krypton's Last Son smirked.

"Remember? You never let me forget it. Always claiming you never wanted them in the first place, even though I hear your heartbeat always skip at the notion. It used to drive me crazy, even if we weren't under the most ideal circumstances for parenthood."

Lois playfully shrugged. "What can I say, Smallville? Every woman has a certain need, once in awhile. And if it ever really did happen, it was always going to be a pretty major step for us. Not a day went by when I didn't think about what our lives could be like after you hang up the cape, and it was getting harder to imagine that moment with it just being the two of us."

"Yes, but..."

Indicating her evident sign of pregnancy, Lois knowingly grinned.

"But now it's happening. And that's my point. We hoped beyond hope and it seemed like it wasn't in the cards, but somehow, we were granted this miracle. That's why I've been thinking about it lately, Clark, and I've come to a decision. If the impossible really is possible, why not try and look at the future with a little more of that same hope?"

Superman smiled back, but it faded from his lips the more that he thought about what was coming.

"I know what you mean. But that's why I'm so worried about this. Normally I'd take it at face value and tell myself that I've survived worse, I've cheated death in the past and can do it again. But with the baby on the way, and you needing me more than ever, I've began to look at it differently. What if I can't this time, Lois?"

Unable to face the question, Lois turned away.

"What if, despite the odds... this is a little more permanent than the other times?"

Shaking her head, she placed a hand on the side of his face.

"Stop. That's just Luthor talking, getting you to doubt yourself. You know that no matter what happens, there'll always be a way to bring you back. We've been through this before, and you're not the only one to dip your toe into the ressurection pond. Remember Green Arrow? Wonder Woman? Batman?"

Of course, he knew she was right. Whatever balance of fate had been conspiring against him lately, it was hardly the first brush with death that he or the other Leaguers had sustained. But at least in those cases, there was an explanation. Green Arrow was resurrected in body and had to fight to regain his soul with help from The Spectre. Wonder Woman was reborn as a Goddess through some prophetic telling of divine intervention by the deities of Themysciria. And Batman, from what Clark had been told in a briefing by Oracle, had been resurrected through the mystical properties of Ra's Al Ghul's Lazarus Pits.

But this? This was unknown. Shortly after Luthor's death, Superman had tried to utilize the medical wisdom of The Justice Society's resident surgeon and scientist, Dr. Mid-Nite and Mr. Terrific, but neither of the good doctors had been able to determine an evident sign of deterioration or chemical poison. Whatever Luthor was doing, Superman could feel it... but no one could clearly see it.

Noticing the worried, or perhaps desperate expression in Lois' eyes, he gently kissed her with enough care to reaffirm her hopeful thoughts. "I suppose it's a waste of time to keep dwelling on it until I talk to The League."

"I was just about to ask that. Have you tried arranging a meeting yet?"

He nodded. "I spoke to J'onn about it earlier, but he's still having trouble rounding up the core team. Apparently, Diana has gone back to Paradise Island to deal with some Amazonian concerns following the Grodd incident. Hal, John, Guy, and Kyle are busy with their interstellar duties. Arthur, I imagine, wouldn't be in any hurry to sit in on a meeting with the way we parted last. Wally hasn't stopped to answer his communicator in weeks, though Jay tells me he's only hard at work with a recent crimewave, so he's at least doing well."

"And Bruce?"

Clark chuckled. "I don't think I have to explain his absence."

Lois' brow furrowed.

"You'd think that if anyone were too busy to RSVP for the plight of Superman, it'd be Superman himself. It seems like everyone else has taken up the neverending battle while you're left wandering in the dust."

Looking back out at his shimmering city of golden towers, The Man of Tomorrow took note of her point.

"You're right. It does seem like things have been running a little slow, lately. With Luthor gone, I haven't come across a single villain, and barely any street level crimes. Maybe I underestimated his influen---"

Suddenly, the two were interrupted by a flash of crimson that circled the building. Immediately alert to the presence of the disturbance, Superman immediately pushed his wife behind him to protect her and the baby from whatever it was while the streak began to bounce from each side of the rooftop in succession, fast enough to even outrun his glare. As it began to hone in on one particular area, Lois pointed out an evident pattern.

"Look, on the wall! There's something being written!"

Floating over to the area, Superman peered down at the crude writing being etched into the brick of the rooftop's edge.

"Superman. Need to speak now. Of the utmost urgency. Meet me in the city. I'll be nearby. Signed, The Flash?"

Lois' look of surprise wasn't lost on him.

"Wally?"

"No, it couldn't be. Wally's fast, but not so much that I can't pick him out of a crowd whenever he's using that speed force, or whatever they use to channel their power. This has got to be someone else."

Lois looked down at the writing as Superman ascended into the skies.

"But who?"

"That's what I intend to find out."

 

[sumowrestler]

All You Need is Love-Chapter 7
​

Oliver walks Miri to Orchid Bay showing her downtown Star City. Miri is amazed at the beauty of the city and the flowers that gives this section its name.

"So, how does your group work differently then some of the others out there besides the color and uniform?"

"Group? Color? Oh, the Sapphire Corps. We, like a good number of the other Lanterns can create constructs but not many of us are real proficient at that yet. Carol Ferris seems to be the best one and the one with most exposure to the rings through the gems. What you might be getting at is that we encase those who may have lost the way of love. While they are encased in the crystal, their hearts are slowly shown the love they had lost and tried to bring that back out. There has been some good results with some and they had joined the Sapphires."

"Crystaline prisons? Sounds like you all are doing a bit of brainwashing. In some of the inmates that I've seen put away, sometimes I wonder if that would be the best solution. However, us humans particularly Americans, like our freedom to choose even if I wonder about how intelligent those choices are. If a country or organization here on Earth was caught what you were doing, the JLA or another superhero group probably go in and try to rescue the prisoners depending on who was doing it."

"Then how do you bring out the love in people's hearts? Not everyone is capitable with everyone else. If everyone believed in love, then there wouldn't be anymore fighting."

"There is a saying that we humans sometimes use. The best way to defeat an enemy is to make them your friend. We don't use any rays or anything like that but simply be a friend in return. Some, like Superman, are better at that. Others, like Batman, would prefer beating your head in and then ship you to Gotham PD or Arklym. The love you are referring to isn't really the romantic type like you seen with Carol and Hal but what you experienced within your Corps and between you and Carol directly. It is the love and fondness that exist between friends. Sometimes the friendships expand to romance but not always. I'm guessing the main aspect of love your group focus on is the romantic side."

"I got my ring after a yellow monster decided he wanted my husband's and my food. We were on our honeymoon when we were attacked. This creature killed my husband without much thought. I couldn't stand being alone and almost killed myself before the ring saved me. So my loss was the romantic love which the ring filled and given me purpose. I, like the rest of my Corps, want to defend love no matter where it is. I'm almost certain that we usually think of the romantic type only."

"Ah, here we go, this restraunt is a good place to eat. You still need to eat, right?"

Miri gives Oliver a strange look at that question. He smiled as he waved over a waiter. The waiter looks at Oliver and then looks at Miri who smiles at him. It takes Oliver clearing his throat to get the waiter's eyes off of Miri.

"I'll have my usual drink and a glass of lemonade for my friend here."

The waiter nods at Oliver and hurries away.

"He was sort of cute in your human way but I wonder why he was staring at me."

"Well, he probably thought you were also cute and it isn't everyday they see someone with your complextion. Earth has seen its fair share of aliens but usually they are either destroying the city or saving it. Not too often we have them simply sitting down for a meal unless they are the host and we are the invited but very uncomfortable 'guests' who are more like prisoners. If the waiter does something, I know the owner personally."​

 

[trustyside-kick]

Swimming to the younger hero's side, Aquaman readies himself into a defensive stance.

"I told you Garth, we have to keep a cool head. We're facing an old adversary who has a new bag of tricks upon him."

"Aquaman. Oh how many years it has been. I rather cherish this fine moment. Although...ill timed I'm afraid. I have to find 6 more Golden Eels to unleash my masters upon this world, and the second is within my grasp."

The golden shield drops, and these black mysterious tentacle like things made of some sort of dark substance grows off of The Fisherman's back just before he uses them to strike at his foes.

"BEGONE!"

The Hidden Valley
Home of the Idyllists

The dark, mysterious, substance entangles both Aquaman and Tempest, lifting them off the seafloor by their limbs. Certainly a new trick up the villain's sleeve. However Aquaman is greatly confused for this is not some doing of the Golden Eel in the villains hands. For the uncanny gift granted to the Fisherman via the magical artifact is the protective shield used just moments ago when Garth made a valiant strike. And it was not some new and improved technology on the villains arsenal.

The Fisherman had a knack for using different types of lures for example that would do the unexpected. Sometimes he would throw one and it would be a deadly explosive. Next it could be something as crippling as a large metal fishing net. And the list could go on with each fishing lure customized as being one deadly and sneaky equipment of arsenal to another; much like the many gadgets within Batman's utility belt.

But this was something entirely new. It is as though the Marine Marvel is indeed facing an entirely different foe.

Although, just moments ago the underwater villain made mention of some masters he seeks to unleash onto this world. What masters? Orin is more than aware what the Golden Eels can do when brought together...but why would this villain want to do so? Are the creators the ones he serves? The Fisherman in past experiences never seemed to serve such large a purpose. And realizing that even his mighty strength is doing nothing to this dark power, the former Sea King seeks answers.

"So what happened exactly? Did you hit your head all those years ago, Fisherman?"

"What?"

"In our first encounter, you were seeking what you now seek. Matter a fact, it is because of you that I was aware of the Golden Eels. However I never sought to look into it further since the next times we would cross paths, the items peaked your interest no longer. And I was aware of the amazing powers that they would grant the one who would wield them...but it was not until I checked the Atlantean Chronicles of the portal they can open when united. If it is the Seven Golden Eels you now again seek, Fisherman, I know where the rest remain."

"Really now?"

"Yes. For who do you think scattered them across the sea?"

The villain lowers Aquaman, keeping him entangled, bring him down to face level as he studies the hero. To his surprise, it would appear that the look in the Aquatic Ace's eyes is that he is telling the truth in that he knows where the rest remain.

"...Go on. My masters sent me along with the Seven Golden Eels in order to open the way into this world. I will succeed. Now I have you in my clutches, Aquaman, and you have answers to the locations of the remaining Golden Eels--"

"--AND I WILL KNOW! SPEAK!! TELL ME WHERE THE REST REMAIN! WHERE HAVE YOU HIDDEN THEM?!?"

 

[War.]

St. Roch. Louisiana.

"The sky is beautiful tonight".

Carter glanced to his side and at the face of the woman whose hand he was holding. "Yeah. Not a cloud up there".

Shiera brushed a curl of brown hair behind her ear and looked up again. "It's strange" she began, "I look up at those stars and I can remember gazing up at those same constellations years ago. Lifetimes ago". Carter glanced up and squeezed her hand but said nothing.

"And yet as far away as they seem, we've flown by them, fought amongst them, seen life and death by their light. Compared to most, our lives through the ages are immense. But to those stars, we're nothing at all".

"You're sounding very reflective tonight. You okay?" Carter asked.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I mean, I'm better than I've been in a while. But I just can't help thinking about it you know?"

"About what?" He raised an eyebrow slightly with the question. His shoulders bunched against the soft mid-summer chill at thier back as the walked.

"About the fact that sooner or later it'll end again. Me and you. At least until we have to start all over again in a different time, in different bodies, living different lives".

Carter stopped and spun her gently to face him. His hand stroked her cheek as he looked deep into her eyes. "Everything dies Shiera. Everything must end at some point. Me. You. This town we're in. Those stars up there. Everything dies. But as has been proven time and again, our love is eternal. It defies time and death. In this life or the next, we will always be together".

"Maybe" she muttered, holding the hand the rest upon her cheek. "But inbetween all of that there's always that certainty. The knowledge that Hath-Set will destroy what we have. I lie awake at night and find myself wondering how it will happen, where and when. I can't help it".

Carter smiled softly and shook his head. "You cannot spend your life thinking about your death. Life is for living. And what have right here and now. That's all that matters. Knowing that I love you is all that matters. Life Shiera. Life and love. Whatever happens in the future is for then. But here on this promenade standing against what I feel for you it's as nothing".

Shiera smiled and kissed him deeply before pulling back and taking his hand once more. "I love you" she whispered.


​

 

[wiegeabo]

"So once we get the other three representatives, with Larfleeze being very likely one of them, how are we going to find the rogue ring slinger? Do you have scouts or lookouts, Sinestro? Are you able to think like this rogue Lantern since yourself was a rogue and in some view points still one? It will be interesting to see how the Zamarons take to your idea, Sinestro, once we get there if that is where we are heading. Don't be too surprised that whoever we talk to of their Corps will be a bit hestitant even with Lantern Kyle and me with you. Atrocitus won't help the cause unless he keeps his rage and ring under control. We had a common enemy in the Black Lanterns and Darkseid. We now have another common enemy even if we don't know who it is, yet. Hopefully things will turn out well and the Corps won't lose too many more members."

"Picked up a talkative one," Atrocitus remarks. I ignore him.

"Larfleeze won't be that difficult. I've already taken steps to ensure he find us. The Indigo's may be a challenge, but I have ideas about that as well."

"First thing is first. We need a Star Sapphire. Let's go to Earth."

 

[War.]

​

St Roch. Louisiana.

The museum lay silent other than the echoing footsteps and the quiet whistle as Max, the old balding security guard made his rounds. Twirling his flashlight in his hand, Maxs' thoughts drifted away to getting home. Tuesday nigts were meatloaf nights and his wife would have left him a hearty slab in the oven.

Behind him a whisper of a breeze touched the nape of his neck. Max spun on his hell, his flashlight coming up. The bright light scanned over various artifacts and objects, casting long deep shadows into the recesses of the gallery. But Max saw nothing unusual. Shrugging off the chill he clicked the light off and made his way back to the security room.

As his footsteps drifted away into the distance the air shimmered and twisted as an intangible being emerged from a nearby column and glided silently across the gallery floor. Finally, the white figure stopped at a small glass case that contained a long thin sceptre. The object glowed silver in the moonlight that drifted through the museums high windows and the being rubbed his hands in delight.

"How terribly exciting!"

"You are pretty aren't you my beautiful little dove?" The being lifted off the glass and grasped the sceptre from its mounting. "Now my darling, you belong to the Gentleman Ghost!"

 

[twylight]

*woosh* The fisted hand swung in the air, narrowly grazing the trailing blonde ponytail belonging to the woman who was dodging the punch. Dinah brought her leg up swiftly and kicked his head before spinning and blocking the second guy who was lunging towards her.

*crrrrrrrrrr* "ETA is 2 minutes."

Dinah gritted her teeth.

"Sounds-"

She plunged her fingers into the guys kidney's.

"-Good."

Her knee jolted up hitting him in the chin as he doubled over in pain. His body crumpled and Dinah appraised the situation once more before grabbing the USB drive from the computer, sliding it into a secure pocket inside her suit. She ran out the door of the room and headed for where she hoped there would be rooftop access. The dark dingy hallways made it hard to see and she raced up the stairs carefully.

"ETA, 1 minutes."

"Yeah yeah, I know."

"Just keeping' you on track."

Dinah surveyed the door in front of her. Metal sheathed, a deadbolt and some old sliding latches. Looked like rooftop access to her. She slid the latches out, flicked the deadbolt and turned the knob.

Nothing.

"What the - " Had she really missed an outside bolt when she cased the place?

She heard the pounding of footsteps below her. Stepping back she kicked at the door. Nothing. Damn. Her heart fluttered, and she pushed the natural reaction down. She'd been at this to long to let the nerves get to her. Although it was known to happen, this situation was so under control she need not let them take over. She looked down the stairwell making out dark forms against the already dark background. Well, they already knew she was here. She stepped further back and opened her mouth.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" her scream blew the door off and the light flooded into the small landing. Blinking her eyes at the light she raced out, the noise of the helicopter guiding her.

"Eyes on target."

Shielding her eyes against the brightness of the mid-afternoon sun Dinah was grateful it was only mid-afternoon sun and not earlier. Things got hot around the equator during midday. The helicopter floated down gently, hovering over the rooftop and Dinah ran for it as the door slid open. Sliding aboard she bucked in as it rose back into the air. Turning around she watched as the men streamed out of the door, their guns raised. Grabbing a nearby helmet Dinah held her mouth to the inside of it speaking into the mic.

"Zinda…"

"I see them." She banked the helicopter in a hard left turn as they started to fire. Leaning out the door Dinah let out a small 'chirp', slowing the velocity of the bullets enough that they bounced off the body of the copter, but did nothing to disrupt it's flight path.

The helicopter dipped below a hill, the tall green trees obscuring Dinah's view of the facility. Sliding the door shut she slipped the helmet on over her head.

"How'd it go?

"I got it. Now to let Pieter know." She pulled her phone out, making note of the 'Roaming' notice along the upper part of the screen.
"... once we get stateside."

Through the opening into the cockpit Dinah could see Zinda give a curt nod with a slight smile on her face.

"Oh don't even judge me."

The wavy blonde smiled at Dinah.

"Not doing nothin' of the sort. It's cute."

Dinah raised her eyebrow.

"uh huh."

"it is! Now get some sleep." She flipped some switches above her. "Have to get you to Star City before the big event, can't have you tired."

The blonde smiled and stretched out on the back seat. It was uncomfortable and hard, but considering some places she'd slept, it was luxurious. Her eyes slid closed to the dull *twap twap twap* of the blades and the muted hum of the engine, the floating sensation of the vehicle gave way to the weightlessness of sleep.

 

[Batman]

The Scarlet Speedster and The Man of Steel.

Two of the fastest beings alive on the face of the planet.

Throughout the years of their service in the Justice League of America, in the face of their many feats dedicated towards comradery and the good of others, many had wondered who infact was the fastest of the two. So much so that they had often put their speed to the test by engaging in various races, be it for a generous charity or simple friendly competition. This tradition continued for well over a decade, with Superman challenging his own limitations against three different men to wear the title. As a result of the mantle changing hands, the outcome of each race often varied. In some cases, The Flash had emerged the victor, but it wasn't always so clear-cut whenever you considered the circumstances. All it took was a particularly distracting natural disaster or a case of kryptonite poisoning to shift the odds in Flash's favor. But being the good sport that he was, Krypton's last son gave the victory away whenever possible.

But another major factor that played into the oft-touted victory was something that defied even Superman's comprehension. A mysterious dimensional-based energy that overcame any and all direct associates of The Fastest Man Alive's superhuman family, deriving from a place that existed beyond time and the universe itself. Wally West, the third to bear the name, had once called it The Speed Force and the name had stuck ever since. But even he didn't outright understand the parameters of it, having lost himself in time on numerous occasions trying to discover the nature of it's power. All that anyone knew was that under it's influence, The Speed Force could allow any of The Flash's family to travel faster than imaginable - break any barrier of speed that was scientifically possible, and dramatically increase their power to levels beyond superhuman.

Under The Speed Force, The Flash was less of a man... and more of a God.

"H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H"

It was a faint whisper that secreted itself into the line of Superman's acute hearing, catching his attention as he flew directly above the vicinity of Suicide Slums. Pausing for a moment, listening even closer for the origin of the noise, he simultaneously floated above the denizens of Metropolis and scanned for any sign of a scarlet trail with his x-ray and microscopic visions. Yet there was nothing more than that faint whisper, attracting Superman to the other side of the city with every new breath he heard. It was coming out in spurts, like a record that was struggling to spin on a player.

"Flash? Flash, are you there?"

"H-H-H-Hel-Hel-Hel-Hel-Hel-"

Turning his head back, realizing that he must have miscalculated the specific location of the voice's frequency, Superman flew forth and passed The Daily Planet once again, noticing that Lois had already gone inside after spending nearly a minute watching him from the roof. He smiled at the thought, intentionally flying past the window of the top floor in order to tell her everything was alright.

"Hel-Hel-Hell-Hell-Hello-Hello-Hello-"

Stopping in place, Superman finally realized why he was having such a hard time pinpointing the pitch of Flash's voice. It wasn't staying in one place, or even traveling in a cohesive pattern. It was literally circling around him. Looking around, The Man of Steel squinted hard at the air around him and focused all three of his levels of vision at the same time - normal, x-ray, and telescopic. And only for a small glimpse did he finally see it. A blurred outline of red and gold. Amazed, Superman reached out his hand at the object.

Before feeling himself pulled directly into it's path.

"-Hello, Clark."

"It's been awhile, hasn't it?"

Seeing Metropolis in a whirlwind around him, Superman instantaneously realized that they were now circling the entire city in laps. And that while he was determined to keep up with his friend's incredible rate of movement, his own speed wasn't really being controlled by his actions. It was as if his body were being propelled by something else, something foreign that seemed to be originating out of The Flash's body. More than a little alarmed, Superman's nerves were calmed the moment that The Flash looked back and gave him a friendly smile. And realizing who he was talking to, he smiled back.

"Barry."

"The one and only. I was almost afraid that you'd forgotten, after all these years."

Superman smirked, feeling himself taking position at The Flash's side.

"Hard to forget the only man that ever truly left me in the dust. How've you been doing since you returned?"

Even at a fraction of a second, The Man of Steel noticed the slight turn of expression in Barry's face. It was as if the word 'return' hadn't truly registered with him yet, even if he had been back for several months now.

"I'm getting there. That's all I can really say, at this point."

"Glad to hear it. Though believe it or not, I actually know what you're going through."

Evidently confused, The Flash simply shook his head and smiled.

"Let me guess. One of your many amazing adventures from The Phantom Zone that I wasn't around to hear about."

Chuckling to himself, Superman kept the pace going as he noticed he was gaining more control.

"Not exactly, but I'll leave it to J'onn to fill you in. I'm not the most adept at reciting any of the paragraphs from the League archives. I'm just here to experience it firsthand."

"Wally's actually told me a great deal already, though he hasn't told me much about Metropolis. Mostly about Hal, and everything that he went through when he was The Spectre."

With a heavy sigh in his voice, Barry accelerated to a point that Superman had to push himself to match.

"I'm sorry that I wasn't around to help with that. I'm sure that if I had been able to do something,"

Catching up, Superman gave him a friendly nod.

"Barry, please. Don't waste any unnecessary guilt on something you couldn't control. Hal made peace with his time as Parallax a long time ago, and the rest of us forgave him and moved on. It's a chapter that we can all hope stays tucked away in the past."

Returning the nod, Barry continued.

"Maybe you're right. I still haven't quite been able to grasp all that's happened, but I'm glad that not everything's changed. You're certainly the same Superman that I remember."

"I only hope that you're giving me a compliment."

"More than one. You know that out of all of the League's members, I always looked up to you the most. It's primarily why I didn't have any fear in the fact that I never said goodbye during the Crisis. In the back of my mind, I knew that I was leaving the world in good hands."

Finally coming to a decrease in speed, Barry gradually guided both himself and Superman towards the vacant dock at the end of the Metropolis Pier. His cape flowing in the breeze, The Man of Steel came to a complete halt just at the edge, as Barry stopped and leaned against a steel railing behind him. Clark turned around and smirked again, placing his hands on his hips.

"I appreciate the sentiment, Barry. But what brings you all the way out here? If you wanted to talk, you could have always stopped by my desk at The Planet."

The Flash chuckled. "In full regalia? Wouldn't be the smartest move for a superhero, I'd imagine. Showing up in the middle of a floor full of reporters."

Placing a hand on Flash's shoulder, Superman narrowed his eyes.

"I didn't mean as Flash. Barry Allen would have easily sufficed. I've missed him... infact, we all have."

Seeing the smile fade from his lips, Superman realized that perhaps it was an issue he wasn't quite comfortable talking about yet. Even so, Barry reached back and pulled his cowl aside, revealing his true face for the first time in decades to one of his closest friends.

"Yeah. I'm still trying to find him, myself."

Glancing out at the water beyond the pier, both Barry and Superman looked out into the reflection of the night sky.

"Regardless, I've heard you've had some trouble recently. Luthor's death, for starters."

Wondering just how much he really knew about it, Superman decided to keep the details vague.

"It was a shock, certainly. But I've moved past it. Even visited his grave."

"No kidding?"

"Sure. I mean, I didn't really hate the man himself. Just everything that he represented."

Barry smirked. "Isn't that a bit contrary?"

"Nothing was contrary with Luthor. You didn't know him in his final years, Barry, but..."

Looking off, The Man of Steel tried to bury away the forthcoming memories.

"Well, let's just say that with a new age, there was bound to be a new kind of evil. And he was never one to allow himself to fade out of style with the times. With every new facet of supercriminal, he reinvented himself. And with each new defeat, he became deadlier and more cunning than before."

"Sounds to me like you're more relieved than anything that he's gone."

"No."

Shaking his head, Superman's expression became more serious.

"I won't allow myself to go down into that place. I've seen it happen to so many of us, and I don't like the effects that hatred has had on genuinely good people. If I start to believe that the world is better off without Lex Luthor, then I become apart of that."

Clearly respectful of his stance, Barry nodded.

"Fair enough. Personally, I never liked Luthor, but I can certainly understand. After all, with what happened to Zoom, seeing how quickly everything unraveled after..."

Superman shrugged. "That's in the past now too, Barry. It was a darker time in your life. I don't think anyone can hold a grudge for that."

"True. I guess in the end, we all have our personal demons. But you held firm, in spite of everything that Luthor threw your way."

Silently, Krypton's last son smiled.

"But that isn't why I'm here."

"Oh?"

Turning, the look in Barry's eyes seemed to inflect a grave urgency.

"I saw the news report, earlier today. About a man claiming that he was a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes."

"Ferro-Lad?"

"Was he telling the truth?"

Superman was silent again, for a moment.

"Yes. He came to warn me about some grave development in my future."

Unsurprised, Barry pulled his mask back on.

"Then it's just as I feared. Everything's starting to make sense."

Confused, Superman took a step back.

"What does that mean? What are you talking about?"

"Clark, I didn't want to alarm you. But after seeing Ferro-Lad's arrival, I just had to come and give you fair warning. I've been to the future. I've seen what can happen, and he had every reason to come back and tell you about it."

Placing a firm hand on Superman's shoulder, The Flash stared back into his eyes.

"If the history I've seen is true, then you're not going to survive these next few weeks."

The world suddenly froze.

"I'm so sorry. But not long from now... you're going to die."

 

[sumowrestler]

As Miri and Oliver continue to wait on their order which seems to be taking extra long, a very beautiful red headed woman in a tight green outfit comes up to them.

"Hey Oliver, I've been looking all over for you. I heard you rescued another dasmal in distress. I'm guessing this blue skinned thing is that woman unless you picked her up from some alien crash site or does she suffer from some sort of poisoning of the skin? Where is your more usual attachment, that blonde who is my real 'threat' if you want to call her that. You know I'm the only woman for you and the rest are just wasting your time. I bring the best out of one of your sides at least."

Miri looks at the red head in the really tight outfit. Her ring starts flashing which Miri quickly hides. Miri would be mad if she really understood the insults being thrown at her. Instead, she actually feels sorry for the woman who is quite obsessed with Oliver.

"I'm not with Oliver in that way. I am new to town and he offered to show me the way around."

Before Miri or Oliver knew it, Cupid grabs Miri and throws her onto the ground. The Cupid grabs the chair Miri was sitting in and puts it on top of Miri's chest with the bar connecting the back legs very close to Miri's neck.

"Listen here, miss blue skin freak, Oliver Queen is MY man and no other WOMAN will sit next to him. His blonde woman knows this but still ignores my demands to leave Oliver alone. He is MINE and no one, and I mean no one will have his heart except me. Do you understand?"

"I understand you have a strong attraction to him. I do not know of this blonde woman you keeping referring to. As I said earlier, I am new to town and no intentions of moving in on any established couple. My job here is to make sure the good loving couples stay together and that their love is shared with others."

"Oh I'll stay with Oliver if others will just butt out of my chances with him. Then all will see how perfect of a couple we are."

 

[Byrd Man]

"Listen here, miss blue skin freak, Oliver Queen is MY man and no other WOMAN will sit next to him. His blonde woman knows this but still ignores my demands to leave Oliver alone. He is MINE and no one, and I mean no one will have his heart except me. Do you understand?"

"I understand you have a strong attraction to him. I do not know of this blonde woman you keeping referring to. As I said earlier, I am new to town and no intentions of moving in on any established couple. My job here is to make sure the good loving couples stay together and that their love is shared with others."

"Oh I'll stay with Oliver if others will just butt out of my chances with him. Then all will see how perfect of a couple we are."

I roll my eyes and sigh, standing up as Cupid keeps pressure on Miri.

"Carrie, come on."

This is the second time I've come across this woman. She's obsessed with Green Arrow as well as Oliver Queen. Remember the crazy chick from Fatal Attraction? Now imagine her with a background as a special forces solider. Yeah, that's Cupid in a nutshell.

I put my hand on Cupid's shoulder, she snaps up and grabs my wrist, catapulting me over her shoulder and on the ground. I gasp as the air rushes out of my lungs. This is what I get for going out and trying to have a good time.

 

[twylight]

[SHH, Why ya gotta be that way?]

 

[twylight]

She felt a poke on her arm, then a shake.

"Dinah… "

Dinah blinked her eyes for a moment letting the fog clear from them as she did so, bringing Zinda's face into view above her.

"Rise an' shine morning' glory!" She said before hopping out of the aircraft.

Pushing herself up, Dinah winched slightly at the muscle stiffness before looking out the window. From the airport she had a full view of Star City as the early evening sun bathed it in an orange glow. She smiled and grabbed her bag. She'd been looking forward to this evening for a while now. She hadn't seen Roy or Mia in ages and Connor and Lian for longer than that. Her heart strained just a bit, remembering the things she'd done that her mother had missed. She refused to miss the important things with her own. Despite the fact they were as nontraditional as they came, they were her family, and she invited anyone to tell her otherwise. She walked across the tarmac, the heat from the day still faintly present as it rose from the concrete. Zinda came running up next to her, checking her wristwatch.

"I have a car all set and prepped here, but we've got some time. Would you be up for a snip of food before hand?"

Her heart jumped a bit t the thought of a delay. Having time meant more time she could have with them tonight but Zinda had done her a huge favor during this extra-curricular activity of hers, and… her stomach grumbled.

"Can't turn that down!"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Marvel lands with Bolton at Police Headquarters. He brings him into solitary confinement and closes the doors behind him.

He says, "I hope you realize that compassion for our fellow human beings no matter who they are is as important as adminstering true justice."

Bolton says, "Drop dead Marvel! One day I'll be out of here and I'll make sure you are dealt with personally Marvel! You hear me!"

Marvel opens the door and steps in the cell.

He says, "Shazam!" and sidesteps the lighting bolt.

Leaving a smolder black mark on the ground. Bolton sits in stunned silence.

Marvel says, "Anytime you think that you will triumph over those who practice true justice such as Batman, Nightwing, Robin and the others just look long and hard at that spot and think it over Bolton."

Marvel leaves and slams the door behind him.

He takes flight into the Gotham Skies.

Usually I'm not into dramatic displays such as that, but it seems like this is the only way to get through to the criminals in this city. I think I'm beginning to understand Batman more and more.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Please! Don't drop me!"

Vincent, Penguin's number two man, is dangling by his ankles twenty stories above the pavement. Only my hand keeps him from falling to his death. Damian stands by my side, smiling as Vincent thrashes.

"For the love of God. You're about to face death, the least you can do is act like a man."

"Tell us what we need to know, and you won't die."

"Please, Batman, don't make promises you can't keep."

Damian smirks. He's enjoying this a whole lot.

"A month ago, someone used the Penguin's criminal messenger service to find a contract killer. That killer was responsible for Joker's murder. Who was the killer? Who ordered it?"

"I wasn't in charge then, man! I was just Penguin's driver!"

"You know all about it. Batman, can we please drop him?"

I quietly slip a strap around Vincent's ankle and tighten it.

"Well, just because you asked so nicely..."

I let go and watch Vincent tumble through the air and scream for several seconds before the rope attached to his leg goes taunt. He suddenly stops, dangling four stories below us.

I begin to pull him up. This time, his resisting is gone. I pull Vincent up and on the edge of the roof.

"Oh, God. Please, just let me go."

"Talk," I growl.

"Okay! All I know is that the guy who ordered the murder dropped the money off at the Iceberg Lounge before the clown was killed."

"How do you know it was the person who ordered Joker's murder?"

"Because of the name on the package. Morecambe, I remember that name."

"What did he look like?"

"I have no idea."

I raise my fist, preparing to strike Vincent for lying.

"I swear to God, man! It was a bike messenger that dropped it off. It was in clear package with the dude's name written on it! I just turned it over to the Penguin! I swear!"

"What else do you know?"

"The money.....it was filled with two dollar bills."

I scowl and punch Vincent in the sternum, he collapses on the rooftop and moans feebly. "What was that for?"

"For holding out on me," I say as I slap a handcuff on one of his wrists before wrapping the other cuff on a nearby pipe.

"The cops will be here soon. Come on, Robin, I know where we have to go."



The Deuce Club

A dilapidated nightclub in the heart of Gotham. It has everything he'd want. Location, privacy, and the most important part is the name.

Two guards are watching the door. Damian and I dispatch them with two well placed batarangs before busting into the front door. A guard on the inside begins to pull a gun. Damian stops him short, kicking the man in the leg and grabbing his pistol before whipping him in the head with the weapon.

We both walk soundlessly through the darkened nightclub until we come to the dance floor that's become his office. He has a few more thugs around. They all pull their guns as soon as they see Damian and I.

"I'm here for you."

"It's been awhile. Heard you were back in town, good to see it's true."

"But It's also a real shame we have to put you back in the grave so soon."
​

 

[War.]

​

New Orleans. Louisiana.

The light of the moon cast long shadows into the deep corners of the old waterfront warehouse. The dead of the night was broken as a dark sedan pulled into the warehouse, it's headlights dimmed. The car pulled to a halt as an ephemeral wisp drifted from the shadows towards the car.

With a dull whine the rear window fell and the wisp solidified into the shape of the Gentleman Ghost.

"Do you have it?" asked the man in the rear seat, his face bathed in shadow.

"Why of course I do, old chap!" replied the Ghost, pulling a small scepter from the inside of his jacket.

A gloved hand emerged and took the scepter, twisting and turning it in his hands. "You have done very well Mr. Craddock and your due payment has been transferred as you requested".

"It has been a pleasure doing business with you Sir. But may I ask, why would you pay so much for such a relatively worthless artifact?"

"Because Mr. Craddock, it is not the artifact itself which I have bought. It is the secret contained within".

Ghost watched as the man twirled the ornate scepter in his hands feeling across its intricate design and studying its markings. Then, placing his hands almost religiously, the buyer twisted and pulled and the artifact snapped cleanly in two. Shaking the longer piece a small slip of ancient looking parchment fell into the buyers free hand.

Gentleman Ghost let out a small chuckle. "Very good Sir, I find my curiosity growing. Would you be kind enough to oblige an old fellow such as myself what you have there?"

"This?" asked the buyer, gazing lovingly at the parchment. "This is the key to the world".

 

[sumowrestler]

Above Earth (hopefully Wieb and Kyser doesn't mind me moving this along a little)

Saint Walker floats above the Earth looking down on the beautiful and yet to some of the more advanced races in the Corps, a backwater mudball. Oddly enough, it reminds him of the two planets he calls home, his original planet and Odym.

"So Sinestro, which of the Earthlings are Star Sapphires. I know of mostly the ones from the GLC counting our current member in this group. Which city is she in? There is some hope on this planet but I've also heard from Ganthet that Earth is one of the most emotional rich planets in the Universe."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Captain Marvel swoops through the Gotham Sky when he sees the Lighting Bolt projected from Police HQ.

He lands there and sees Commissioner Gordon next to the signal. Gordon shuts down the signal and says, "I'll give you this you're much faster at responding than Batman is. Usually I have a time to grab a cup of coffee, but I'm guessing your ability to fly does give you a leg up on him."

Marvel replies, "I go where I'm needed most at the time sir. What's the matter?"

Gordon hands Marvel a file and says, "I thought you should read this first before it became public knowledge. You paid me that courtesy with Bullock now it's time for me to do the same."

Marvel opens the file and is quickly stunned to see that Uncle Duddley and Captain Marvel jr. have been reported as having been killed in a plant explosion in Fawcett City. Pictures of their charred costumed remains shake Marvel to his core.

He says, "Holy Moley! What about Mary?"

Gordon says, "She flew off and closed off the pipe at the surface before it could destroy most of the city she's all-right very upset though."

Gordon puts his hand on Marvel's shoulder and says, "I'm very sorry for your loss Captain Marvel. According to the reports they went in there to get as many people out as they could before in underground pipe burst without warning. They got out 45 people before the explosion."

Marvel hands Gordon the file back and says, "Thank you sir. If you don't mind I think I need to be alone."

Gordon nods and Marvel takes flight with one thought in his head.

I should've been there. This is my fault. I could've stopped it this is my fault.

Marvel gains altitude and looks back at Gotham.

I'll be back.

With that he takes flight back to Fawcett City.

 

[trustyside-kick]

"Yes. For who do you think scattered them across the sea?"

The villain lowers Aquaman, keeping him entangled, bring him down to face level as he studies the hero. To his surprise, it would appear that the look in the Aquatic Ace's eyes is that he is telling the truth in that he knows where the rest remain.

"...Go on. My masters sent me along with the Seven Golden Eels in order to open the way into this world. I will succeed. Now I have you in my clutches, Aquaman, and you have answers to the locations of the remaining Golden Eels--"

"--AND I WILL KNOW! SPEAK!! TELL ME WHERE THE REST REMAIN! WHERE HAVE YOU HIDDEN THEM?!?"

The Hidden Valley
Home of the Idyllists

"I will set my masters free! It is my sole purpose!! My destiny!! Yes!!...no, I--I will instead find Sally-Anne and--"

Suddenly it is as though the underwater villain has completely lost it as he starts to flinch and then lashes out in all directions like he has gone mad. As though he is wrestling with himself in the water, suddenly he drops the Golden Eel artifact on the ocean floor.

"No. NO!"

​

"You obey, new man! I am awakened now! You serve my will! My--"

"Huh?"

The Marine Marvel falls into an extreme state of confusion as it seems that...the mighty villain before him is struggling to simply compose himself naturally. Struggling to act naturally. Struggling to--

Suddenly the helmet on The Fisherman just sort of twitched. It...moved. How peculiar. And as Aquaman briefly becomes lost in his thoughts he notices how each and every encounter with The Fisherman has been...different. Different motives most of the time and different actions and crimes. It was almost as though several of the times he was facing a different man under the mask almost each time. Matter a fact, the mask has been the only constant.

And...it just moved. As though it was...alive.

"What the heck is wrong with him?"

"I...I don't know."

The Fisherman starts to now flurry about in the water, clenching onto his head as he is in some sort of extreme pain it seems. The Golden Eel resting on the sea floor, Tempest makes use of this strange distraction and grabs it swiftly. He wields the artifact in his hands, ready for any possible attack that the villain will lash out should this be some sort of dark ploy or trick.

Orin has something else entirely in mind. And he slowly swims over to The Fisherman, who tries to swipe away at Aquaman as he draws nearer all the while keep the other arm clenched on the helmet as though he is trying to pry it clean off.

So as the Aquatic Ace is now towering over the cowering villain, he places his mystical water hand and places it upon the mysterious helmet of The Fisherman. He tries to pry into the villain's mind telepathically only to find that there is some sort of force fighting back and rather strongly.

"Who...who is Sally-Anne? She's...you were to be married. You were on vacation and--"

"Sally...Anne? ARRGHHH!!"

Like before, the same dark mysterious power that struck him before knocks Aquaman back and suddenly the dark energy is flailing about like a violent octopus would do with its tentacles. Seconds later, the dark mysterious power retracts from The Fisherman's backside, and he stumbles through the water, falling onto his knees and clenching his head once more.

"No. Just a dream, new man. Just a--"

​

"Sally-Anne..."

"Sally-Anne sounds like a swell type of gal, Orin, but frankly..."

Swimming through the water with mystical energy surrounding him, Tempest charges at The Fisherman.

"I've got a swell kind of gal of my own back home, and you've got two yourself waiting for you Orin: Mera and Kym. So let's NOT look into this right now only to somehow possibly let this crook gain the upper hand again."

Taking advantage of the situation as the villain is both disoriented and off balance, and no longer has the Golden Eel to provide himself a forcefield Garth gives on clean hook across The Fisherman's jaw and knocks him out cold.

"There. You wanna probe his mind and find out what happened? Be my guest. I've got to find a place to hide this Golden Eel and when you are done with The Fisherman here I hope you can pay me a visit at the palace. As King I need to be aware of where the rest are hidden so we can avoid any possible situation like this ever start again. Sound good?"

And then, Aquaman takes a good look at his former sidekick. One might wonder why the expression on the former Sea King's face ends up being that of a smile as he watches Garth then swim away with a smirk of his own after Orin nods. His former pupil, the man he had mentored since he was a small child, took charge of the situation, one-upped him, and took down the villain when it was clear that Aquaman had a more different plan of action to end the possible crisis.

The reason is rather simple.

"Attaboy."

It reminds him of old times, although...these are in fact no longer the old times. However that doesn't stop him from smiling. The roles are now somewhat reversed after all these years of Aquaman watching Garth grow. He's grown much more than simply from being a boy and into a man though. Much more than simply Aqualad to Tempest.

In recent times, he's grown into be a truly magnificent King of Atlantis. A King that the Marine Marvel believes...will be far greater than he ever was.

 

[Batman]

Two titans parted ways with eachother, but only one remained in the same place. After an all-too-brief hour of catching up, The Flash had decided that it was better to leave his grave revelation on the shoulders of those that a Man of Tommorow could better call to for guidance. They would help him work it out, he told himself, racing across the country in the blink of eye and heading home. That was always how it worked. When faced with a problem insurmountable, there were always the ordinary citizens that Earth's champions could count on for a point of view still steeped firmly in the realm of humanity. For Barry Allen, he had his loving wife Iris, and his nephew, Wally - the second Flash and arguably just as experienced. So it was all the more surprising that despite this unyeilding confidence, the news had actually left Superman at a loss of what to do.

Infact, what could he do? His first instinct was to fly back to the Planet and tell Lois, but Superman knew her well enough to know that if he was truly beginning to worry, she would moreso. And that kind of a stress was more than vital to avoid at this stage of her pregnancy, especially considering the bombshell that was about to be dropped in her lap at the news of Perry White's resignation. His next thought went to his own mother, Martha Kent, who was now tending the Kent farm in Smallville as a widow. But after losing her husband, his father, so recently...

He couldn't do that to her. As long as there was any sort of hopelessness to be had with the situation, he couldn't say a word to the two people he trusted the most. After believing they had lost him twice already, this sort of news would crush the both of them. And no amount of assurances in the world would be able to convince them that he was going to survive this if he began to doubt it himself.

If infact, he truly did. He didn't really know, and was barely able to wrap his mind around even the idea of it. Luthor's plan in action was intended to be an endgame, there was no doubt about that. He had even been willing to sacrifice himself in order to bring it all to a head. But the idea of death wasn't quite the same in light of The Man of Steel's personal experiences. First, there was the threat of Doomsday, which saw him coming to blows with a monster that seemed twice as invulnerable. But miraculously, his life was saved in a slow process that involved recharging his kryptonian cells with solar radiation. After the fact, few could really call it a true death. More of a downtime, really.

The second was far more severe. Literally drained of all of his power at once by a vengeful Parasite, it took nothing less than the intervening spirits of his own self from another world and the angel Zaurel to pull him out of the realm between life and death and anchor him back to Earth. Even through that experience, as fantastical as it seemed, Clark considered the fact that he was saved a second time to be more than a stroke of luck. It was quite literally divine intervention, thrust upon him in Earth's hour of need once a possessed Darkseid ravaged across the planet.

This was nothing like either of those instances. Being "dead" once already had given him a certain sense of levity, instilling the belief that no feat was beyond achievement, however impossible. Maybe that could be considered a foolish outlook, but it was one that Superman had never been given a reason to regret --- until now.

"Dispatch, we have a disturbance in Suicide Slums. Code 3-42, repeat. Code 3-42."

Suicide Slums? That's impossible, it's only a few...

Hearing the screams from the pedestrians, Superman realized that even though he was close enough to have heard the disturbance as it happened, he had been so lost in thought that he even managed to ignore his own incredible senses at work. Taking off into the skies, he shook his mind from his personal crisis and focused on the task at hand. A code 3-42 was an emergency response designated specifically for superhuman threats, and it was one that he heard often. All he needed to wonder was the identity of the perpetrator. Maybe he'd get lucky and it'd turn out to be a small-timer with access to a super-gene formula.

Or maybe Magpie had returned. At this point, he needed something with a bit of lighter fare. Something to distract him from the fact that despite every close call and all of the attempts by countless villains and madmen, he might actually die very soon. And this time, end up staying that way.

For a public disturbance, this one's awful quiet. Need to try a different approach. Scanning the streets below with his x-ray vision, The Man of Steel was surprised to realize that infact, there was no disturbance. And that in a scene believe, the squad cars were beginning to realize it aswell, screeching to a halt in the middle of a vacant intersection. The screams and sounds of destruction were still there, but there were no panicked civilians or immediate property damage to be seen. A false alarm, but intentionally made to catch even his attention. Looking towards the rooftops to see if he could pinpoint the forged sound effects at their source, Superman carefully listened in for a trace of technological malformation.

And was surprised to realize that there was nothing to distinguish it from actual noises.

Given pause, Superman floated above the city and wondered aloud to himself the only words that his mind could process at this unusual event.

"What in Rao is going on?"

It was at that moment that he felt something hit him head on from the back. He wasn't sure of what it was, whether it was an attacker or a blunt object, but he knew that it hit him with enough force enough to knock him out of the skies - even in his more powerful physical state. Smashing into the street below, he barely felt the impact as he slid along the crumbling concrete and collided with a nearby car, rupturing it's driver's side door with a large indent. Pulling himself from the wreckage, he calmly stood back up and brushed himself off.

Only to be knocked back down. And hit again in the chest, causing a spiderweb ripple under Superman's spine. Obviously, it was someone using some sort of cloaking technology. But that didn't seem possible. If that were the case, why wouldn't his x-ray vision catch the flaws? Invisibility was only a matter of bending light around an object, making it easy for him to see past it's effect.

But around him, no attacker was visible. Though he certainly felt it's presence, as everything vibrated with the invisible spectator's every step. Cautiously getting back to his feet, Superman held up a firm hand, inately knowing that he was being watched.

"Alright. Whoever you are, I think you've had enough fun for the night. Show yourself now and I promise that you won't be hurt."

For a brief moment, there was silence.

Followed by a laugh.

"Oh, *I* won't be hurt? Your priorities are a little misguided, Supes."

Every window on the block exploded and shattered as Superman's eyes widened, realizing that a pulse of incredible energy was heading directly for him. Before he could react, he was launched backwards into the air and thrust into the side of the thirtieth floor wall of a nearby skyscraper. Quickly pulling himself out of the brick and plaster, he launched into the air and flew back towards the streets of where he was thrown, careful not to land and give his enemy the benefit of another direct attack.

"After all. Seems to me like you're the one that's getting his ass handed to him,"

Superman turned, realizing that the voice was coming from directly behind him. Thirty feet off of the ground.

Good lord, he can fly?

Feeling powerful arms grab at him from around his torso, The Man of Tommorow struggled under the strength of his unseen enemy as they both plummeted back towards the streets. Unable to feel the pain of it as he hit the ground, the force was nevertheless restraining him enough to allow his enemy to continue hitting back. With three punches made to the back of his head, Superman decided he had let this attacker continue to vex him long enough. With a powerful, yet reserved uppercut, Superman felt his fist land and knock the invisible brute off of him.

"Appearances can be deceiving. But it would seem that you know all about that."

With a few sparks, the attacker's invisibility cloak began to fade.

"Now that we've been acquainted, more or less, would you care to explain yourself?"

Reaching up to it's wrist, the attacker dialed back the cloak entirely and revealed himself. And to Superman's surprise, it was actually a face that he recognized from his past.

"Metallo? You're back?! Since when have you been able to,"

"No, not Metallo. Not your primitive John Corben. Think of me as a step beyond, the next stage in evolution of cybernetic power..."

"METALLUS!"

 

[wiegeabo]

Above Earth (hopefully Wieb and Kyser doesn't mind me moving this along a little)

Saint Walker floats above the Earth looking down on the beautiful and yet to some of the more advanced races in the Corps, a backwater mudball. Oddly enough, it reminds him of the two planets he calls home, his original planet and Odym.

"So Sinestro, which of the Earthlings are Star Sapphires. I know of mostly the ones from the GLC counting our current member in this group. Which city is she in? There is some hope on this planet but I've also heard from Ganthet that Earth is one of the most emotional rich planets in the Universe."

"And here I thought you knew how to use that ring you wear, Walker." I begin scanning the planet with my ring, starting at Coast City's location. But the quick initial scan comes up empty.

While unusual, it's hardly surprisingly. Lanterns don't always enjoy the chance to remain around their homeworld. Although, somehow, the Earth Lanterns always seem to ignore that part of their duty.

Still, there's no point leaving now if she might still be here after all. I extend the scans, and very quickly lock onto the emotional signal. In Star City.

"Interesting. Come."

I descend through the atmosphere, leaving the rest of the group to trail behind me.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Captain Marvel swoops through the Gotham Sky when he sees the Lighting Bolt projected from Police HQ.

He lands there and sees Commissioner Gordon next to the signal. Gordon shuts down the signal and says, "I'll give you this you're much faster at responding than Batman is. Usually I have a time to grab a cup of coffee, but I'm guessing your ability to fly does give you a leg up on him."

Marvel replies, "I go where I'm needed most at the time sir. What's the matter?"

Gordon hands Marvel a file and says, "I thought you should read this first before it became public knowledge. You paid me that courtesy with Bullock now it's time for me to do the same."

Marvel opens the file and is quickly stunned to see that Uncle Duddley and Captain Marvel jr. have been reported as having been killed in a plant explosion in Fawcett City. Pictures of their charred costumed remains shake Marvel to his core.

He says, "Holy Moley! What about Mary?"

Gordon says, "She flew off and closed off the pipe at the surface before it could destroy most of the city she's all-right very upset though."

Gordon puts his hand on Marvel's shoulder and says, "I'm very sorry for your loss Captain Marvel. According to the reports they went in there to get as many people out as they could before in underground pipe burst without warning. They got out 45 people before the explosion."

Marvel hands Gordon the file back and says, "Thank you sir. If you don't mind I think I need to be alone."

Gordon nods and Marvel takes flight with one thought in his head.

I should've been there. This is my fault. I could've stopped it this is my fault.

Marvel gains altitude and looks back at Gotham.

I'll be back.

With that he takes flight back to Fawcett City.

Marvel arrives in Fawcett City he sees the Gas Plant in smoldering ruins as rescue workers continue to sift through the rubble, putting out small fires, and tending to the wounded. Most of the media has already cleared out.

Over in the distance he sees Mary standing over a pile of rubble.

Marvel lands quietly next to her and asks, "Is that where they are?"

Mary nods and says, "What's left of them. I knew this would bring you home."

Marvel says, "Mary I am so sorry. I should've been here."

Mary replies, "Hindsight is 20-20 that being said you had an obligation as Billy Batson. There is no reason for you to feel guilt over this. If you had been here the situations in Gotham, could've been worse. Not to mention you would've been the first one of us here and it could be you ends up getting killed."

Marvel says, "It's a sacrifice we should all be ready to make when called upon, and besides Batman could've dealt with them all."

Mary asks, "Eventually he would've, but when? He is a great hero but he is still only human he couldn't have taken care of all those situations as quickly as you did."

Marvel says, "Fair Enough Mary. How have things been here otherwise?"

Mary replies, "Nothing to be concerned with. We've had things under control for sometime."

Marvel asks, "Do you need anything?"

Mary nods and says, "Yes."

She finally looks at Marvel and says, "I need my family."

The two heroes embrace one another and grieve.

 

[sumowrestler]

With Ollie's attempt at rescuing Miri, it gave her enough time to get her head back together and power up her ring. She shot through the chair destroying it and placing the strange woman in a crystal case as it falls over with her inside it.

"If you want to know what love is, my crystal will allow you time to really consider and see what it is without you harming anyone. I would take you with me to Zamaron but things there need to be settled first before any new additions are put there. Hopefully the proper authorities can hold you so you won't disrupt anymore outings."

Beep! Beep!

"Please excuse me, Oliver, I need to go check a few things. Thanks for the outing even though it was rudely interrupted. Maybe you know where you can put this over zealous and misguided woman so she can do little harm."

Miri walks over to a private area and sees what her ring wanted.

"Ok, ring, show me what you wanted."

It shows her four very familiar symbols heading her way from Earth's orbit.

"Why would a Sinestro Corps, Red Lantern, and a Blue Lantern be heading this way? I can understand a Green Lantern especially if it is one of the Earth ones but the rest don't make sense. Ring, identify who they are."

"They are Atrocitus of the Red Lantern Corps, Saint Walker of Blue Lantern Corps, Sinestro of Sinestro Corps, and Kyle Rayner of Green Lantern Corps."

"Hmm, I better go and meet them before they reach Star City. The citizens might be half way used to a Green Lantern but I doubt the other three would be as welcome here."

Miri changes into her Star Sapphire outfit and flies up to meet them.

 

[twylight]

The vinyl bench seat cushion creaked as Dinah slid onto it and Zinda looked up from buttering her bread.

“You clean up nicely!”

Dinah smiled and brushed her hand over her hair and then checked her outfit. Simple, black and one a single, hot ‘Aunt’ would wear to her niece’s event. She smiled, glad she just came away with the ‘Aunt’ moniker and not the ‘Grandparent’ variation Ollie had.

“As good as I can get in a Denny’s bathroom.”

“Almost as if you were goin' to more than a Science Fair.” The other blonde smiled mischievously and winked.

Waiting to speak while the waiter placed a glass of water in front of her, Dinah mentally shook her head and started to denied that, but stopped herself. She hadn’t seen Ollie in ages. He’d seen her at her best, her worst and everything in between. You don’t live with someone for years and then move on from that without continuing to feel some emotions, she thought. She did want to look good, but not for him; despite him.

To Zinda she smiled and slide her phone out of her bag, checking it for any missed texts while she was changing.

&#8220;Have you landed? Can&#8217;t wait to see you! <3&#8221; from Mia

&#8220;Have Zinda drop you here we&#8217;ll take you.&#8221; From Roy

At least she had three people in this town happy to see her.

&#8220;No, this time it&#8217;s just for Lian. Besides, I don&#8217;t want to be too dressed up, I half expect her project to be heavily influenced by Victor. Or worse&#8230;Dick.&#8221; Images of self-healing rope, particle accelerators and ion flux capacitors ran through her head.

&#8220;I&#8217;m hoping for just a plain paper mache, vinegar and baking soda volcano.&#8221;

The waiter dropped off the hamburger for Zinda and the small sandwich for Dinah.

&#8220;OH, and can you drop me at Roy&#8217;s instead? They&#8217;ll take me from there.&#8221;

&#8220;Sure thing.&#8221; Zinda was heavily involved in sprinkling salt and pepper on her fries.
&#8220;They just don&#8217;t make hamburger&#8217;s and fries the way they used too&#8230;&#8221; She lamented.

&#8220;You know, you can come with if you&#8217;d like?&#8221; Dinah checked her sandwich.

&#8220;Nah, Bab&#8217;s is probably getting itchy. You know how she is.&#8221;
Another person she hadn&#8217;t seen in a while. Dinah looked out the window, she&#8217;d been pretty insular recently, freelancing for JSA and earning some JLA favors. She looked around the restaurant, the low din of conversation, the occasional clinking of silverware against ceramic.
Here she was having a perfectly normal conversation with Zinda, a woman in a Blackhawk uniform eating a hamburger, from the 1940&#8217;s. Okay, not so normal, she thought, but still, none of these people had seen what she&#8217;d fought, seen, lived through. And here she was, eating at Denny&#8217;s arranging for her friend to drop her off to see her &#8216;niece&#8217;s Science Fair.

&#8220;Are you still goin&#8217; to fly home? I can take you back if you&#8217;d like. I don&#8217;t mind waitin.&#8217;&#8221;
Dinah blinked, her thoughts interrupted by Zinda&#8217;s offer.

&#8220;Umm&#8230; no, I&#8217;ve got this. Need to stop and talk to someone about it anyway.&#8221; Her fingers absently went to the blue ring hanging on her necklace. Ah, the other missing piece that needed to be put into place.

&#8220;Gonna talk to the Green Lantern fellow?&#8221;

&#8220;One of them. &#8220; Dinah checked the time. &#8216;One of them&#8217;, she missed Hal; he was one of the true, old friends she had.

&#8220;Best get eatin&#8217; don&#8217;t want you to be late.&#8221;

&#8220;Right, can&#8217;t be the late one.&#8221; Dinah nodded

&#8220;I&#8217;ve got my bets on the Arrow man for that.&#8221;

"You and me both sister."