The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season VI

[SenseiofCheese]

Zachary Zatara

I stare blankly at Connor.

"Zach, these are your friends. Talk to them! Make them understand!"

"I don't...I can't..." I shake my head sadly. I turn to Nightshade, an annoyed and angry look on my face. "Thanks, that helped alot." I growl before turning back to Connor.

The look of sheer pain on his face...it kills me.

"Dude, we need to let him handle this. You, or me, or Rose or Wonder Girl breathing down his neck isn't going to help him do the right thing."
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

Zachary Zatara

I stare blankly at Connor.

"Zach, these are your friends. Talk to them! Make them understand!"

"I don't...I can't..." I shake my head sadly. I turn to Nightshade, an annoyed and angry look on my face. "Thanks, that helped alot." I growl before turning back to Connor.

The look of sheer pain on his face...it kills me.

"Dude, we need to let him handle this. You, or me, or Rose or Wonder Girl breathing down his neck isn't going to help him do the right thing."
​

"Maybe not," I willingly admit. My emotions are still running high. "But it might keep him from doing the wrong thing." I stare at Zach in utter desperation.

"Connor..."

I look over to see that Cassie is still looking down at her lap. I sigh deeply and close my eyes.

"I know," I breathe defeatedly. I'm reading her message loud and clear. Right now, the wrong thing to do would be to 'breathe down his neck' - as Zach so effortlessly put it. I just hate the feeling that I shouldn't do anything. It makes me feel so helpless.

I reach out and pat Zach lightly on the shoulder - as if to say 'sorry.' I then walk over to Cassie and pull up a seat. We may be here a while, but at least the company's good.

 

[Andy C.]

The Joker stopped in the middle of the street when he heard the voice calling behind him. For a moment he just stood there, hovering on the spot, his back turned to the source of this challenge. As if he had to summon the will to even turn around. But eventually, he did, and faced the owner of the voice.

Superman. The Joker had killed hundreds of people in his city. Not too long ago, he'd found that funny. Now, he felt nothing. With utter indifference, as if in a trance, he stared unblinkingly at The Man of Steel. He took a moment to ponder his request, as if giving it serious consideration. Then, he slowly shook his head, defeated.

"I...honestly can't think of a reason. Not a single one."

What's sad is that he's telling the truth. I could give in to the anger in me right now, and crush his neck without a second thought...or throw him into space so hard the G-forces would kill him before he had a chance to suffocate...or burn him away into nothing but ash and smoke...

...and not a single person alive would condemn me for it.

The Joker can't think of a reason for me not to kill him.

"I can think of one," I say levelly. "The man whose life you just ended. More than any of us, Batman would always seek justice over simple blood-for-blood vengeance. He could have killed you a hundred times over, you and every other criminal in this city...and he never did. And do you understand why?"

I look Bruce's killer right in the eyes, and pray I can muster half of the strength he had.

"It's because he valued life above all. Every life, even yours. It's the one belief at the center of who he was, and though we argued about a thousand different things, it's what made him my closest friend. You mocked it, you exploited it...but you never understood it, Joker."

A lone police officer, detached from the hundreds of emergency units that had scrambled all over the city, nervously inches his way up the street towards us. I'm not sure which one of us he's more afraid of now.

"You're going to die, Joker--I hope you know that. Whether the state puts you down for good, or one of the many people who followed Batman gets to you out of revenge, or whether you spend your last breath rotting away in a cell, you're going to die. But it won't be today. And every day between now and the day you die, you owe to the man you just killed."

I hear the sounds of the battle on the other side of Gotham, and know that my friends need me.

"Take him away," I say to the policeman. "The joke is over."

 

[SenseiofCheese]

"Maybe not," I willingly admit. My emotions are still running high. "But it might keep him from doing the wrong thing." I stare at Zach in utter desperation.

"Connor..."

I look over to see that Cassie is still looking down at her lap. I sigh deeply and close my eyes.

"I know," I breathe defeatedly. I'm reading her message loud and clear. Right now, the wrong thing to do would be to 'breathe down his neck' - as Zach so effortlessly put it. I just hate the feeling that I shouldn't do anything. It makes me feel so helpless.

I reach out and pat Zach lightly on the shoulder - as if to say 'sorry.' I then walk over to Cassie and pull up a seat. We may be here a while, but at least the company's good.

Zachary Zatara

Connor goes over and takes a seat next to Wonder Girl. I walk over to her and reach my hand down to her, ignoring the venomous look I get from Rose.

"We haven't officially met. I'm Zach Zatara." I say with a smile. Man, all she's been through and she still looks absolutely stunning.

"Cassie. You picked a hell of a time to join up with us, Zach." she says and chuckles, but it's a sad laugh.

"Well, it's like I always say: If you're going to join a superhero team, might as well do it while the bad guys are trying to destroy the world."

I grab a chair and drag it across the floor, setting it down next to Connor. I take a seat and look up at Rose. She has that stubborn look on her face; standing there with her arms folded. She glares at me, and I stare her down. I mouth 'Come on', and with a very much audible sigh, she finally gives in and takes a seat next to us.

"Hey, kids." Danny calls over to us, motioning for us to join him and the rest of the Shadowpact. "Something big is happening."

We join Danny and his gang, their eyes on the wall. But instead of it just being a wall, we see right through it and look at the fight still taking place between the heroes and Doomsday; as if the wall had been turned into a window.

"Oh wow..." ​

 

[Johnny Blaze]

The trident's spear-tips dig deep into the monster's craggy hide. If the creature had a heart, it would surely be pierced.

But Doomsday/Brainiac shows no pain. Only rage as he releases a bestial roar and tears the trident from his being.

The holes in his skin slowly begin to close as the monster charges the pair, his heavy footfalls shaking the entire area.

Doomsday/Brainiac swings at Aquaman, the blow clipping the ducking hero on the shoulder and sending him skipping across the ground.

"You", Doomsday/Brainiac sneers through gritted teeth as Black Adam connects with a punch to the monster's face.

Recovering almost instantly, Doomsday/Brainiac reaches out with his free hand and grasps the Khandaqi ruler by the face.

"You should have fled when you had the chance", states the monster as it slams Black Adam face-first into the concrete.

"It is an error you will soon regret", bellows Doomsday/Brainiac as he raises the trident above his head. In one swift motion, the monster brings the weapon downward, stabbing the monarch through his right shoulder and breaking through his chest.
To his credit, Black Adam does not scream. He grits his teeth and does his best to remain stoic as the trident's points dig deep into the concrete underneath him.

His enemy severely wounded and pinned down, Doomsday/Brainiac reaches back with his fist to finish Black Adam off.

But suddenly the monster is blasted by an unseen force and sent rocketing away.
The impact is deafening, and the shockwave from it sends everything in the immediate area flying backwards.
The trident that pinned Adam to the ground is torn free, and the Khandaqi king is sent tumbling away, the trident's blades still protruding from his chest.

Doomsday/Brainiac is sent smashing through rubble and buildings before coming to a halt nearly a mile away. The path of destruction from his passing is enormous, and the beast sits unmoving amid a pile of rubble.

But, after a few seconds, the monster begins to slowly rise to it's feet.
The creature has survived yet another amazing gambit from his enemies, seemingly none the worse for wear.

 

[Keyser Soze]

What's sad is that he's telling the truth. I could give in to the anger in me right now, and crush his neck without a second thought...or throw him into space so hard the G-forces would kill him before he had a chance to suffocate...or burn him away into nothing but ash and smoke...

...and not a single person alive would condemn me for it.

The Joker can't think of a reason for me not to kill him.

"I can think of one," I say levelly. "The man whose life you just ended. More than any of us, Batman would always seek justice over simple blood-for-blood vengeance. He could have killed you a hundred times over, you and every other criminal in this city...and he never did. And do you understand why?"

I look Bruce's killer right in the eyes, and pray I can muster half of the strength he had.

"It's because he valued life above all. Every life, even yours. It's the one belief at the center of who he was, and though we argued about a thousand different things, it's what made him my closest friend. You mocked it, you exploited it...but you never understood it, Joker."

A lone police officer, detached from the hundreds of emergency units that had scrambled all over the city, nervously inches his way up the street towards us. I'm not sure which one of us he's more afraid of now.

"You're going to die, Joker--I hope you know that. Whether the state puts you down for good, or one of the many people who followed Batman gets to you out of revenge, or whether you spend your last breath rotting away in a cell, you're going to die. But it won't be today. And every day between now and the day you die, you owe to the man you just killed."

I hear the sounds of the battle on the other side of Gotham, and know that my friends need me.

"Take him away," I say to the policeman. "The joke is over."

The Joker didn't say a word in response to Superman, merely listening to his speech, stonefaced. He offered no resistance as the police officer handcuffed his hands behind his back.

The world went black as Nightshade touched his shoulder, then turned to twilight as he rematerialised. He fought the urge to throw up, and instead looked around him. A street, burning wreckage, two figures. Superman and the Joker. Two people he had grown up around, was almost used to by now. He started to run.

You knew it would be him. It's always him.
I'll kill him.
And what would be the point in that?

He reached the two figures. Superman saw him he knew, but he made no move to stop him. Tim span the Joker around. There was blood all down his coat, and down his front, on his hands. There was even blood in his green hair, where he had clutched at it. But he wasn't smiling. He wasn't laughing anymore. Tim drew back his fist and punched him hard across the jaw.

"YOU BASTARD," he screamed, tears forming again in his tired eyes.

The punch knocked The Joker to the ground. Calmly, he spat a wad of blood onto the sidewalk.

"Kid, you're good..."

The officer hauled him back up to his feet.

"...but you're no Batman."

 

[Catman_prb]

The punch knocked The Joker to the ground. Calmly, he spat a wad of blood onto the sidewalk.

"Kid, you're good..."

The officer hauled him back up to his feet.

"...but you're no Batman."

The words pierce. Deep. The tears that had formed in his eyes were silently streaming down his face. He bowed his head, letting them drop to the floor. Could he leave it like that? Could he let this madman, who seemed scarily normal with Bruce gone, go with those final words? Could he let go, and live knowing that he let the Joker get away this one last time. After commiting the last great crime, the last defiance.

Yes.
What?
Let him go. Let him live with it.
Why?
That's the way Bruce would do it.
You heard him. I'm no Batman. I'm not Bruce.
Does that mean you shouldn't act like him? Jesus Christ kid, just cos he's dead doesn't mean you're allowed to forget everything. What kind of god awful student were you?

"Remember him," he said quietly to the Joker as he was dragged away "When you're rotting in that cell, remember him,"

 

[Keyser Soze]

The words pierce. Deep. The tears that had formed in his eyes were silently streaming down his face. He bowed his head, letting them drop to the floor. Could he leave it like that? Could he let this madman, who seemed scarily normal with Bruce gone, go with those final words? Could he let go, and live knowing that he let the Joker get away this one last time. After commiting the last great crime, the last defiance.

Yes.
What?
Let him go. Let him live with it.
Why?
That's the way Bruce would do it.
You heard him. I'm no Batman. I'm not Bruce.
Does that mean you shouldn't act like him? Jesus Christ kid, just cos he's dead doesn't mean you're allowed to forget everything. What kind of god awful student were you?

"Remember him," he said quietly to the Joker as he was dragged away "When you're rotting in that cell, remember him,"

The Joker merely nodded in response. For a moment, it was almost as if they understood each other. Then the officer pushed The Joker into the squad car, and the feeling vanished.

 

[twylight]

Babs shook he head in disbelief, tears running down her face.

"Take Bruce to the cave." she said into the monito

I noticed she refrained form saying 'body' or 'him' and then she did something quite normal. She shut off the camera's showing his limp form and refocused on the battle being held on the other side of Gotham. Glancing around the room I notice a medical journal and idly flip through it, pausing at a section about the human heart. In vivid images it showed the valves and arteries, I looked over it carefully before shutting it as Babs issues a few more orders to the people on the scene.

"Well. I think it's my cue to leave."

Oracle didn't even turn around.
"Sure you want to?"

I glance at her, intent on the footage. I know what she's doing, checking me to see if I really want to go, her original words to me, through a thick disguise came to mind.
"Do this and I can make sure all your crimes go away..."

Did I really want that? I wasn't a cold-blooded killer, I'd learned that much the past few weeks, but I wasn't entirely a good guy either. I like....bending things...making things..unpredictable, and these guys? They were way to predictable.

I shook my head.
"Yeah, ya'll aren't really my type." I paused and walked over to Gordon, and opened his hand, letting two dice drop into them. Huh, imagine that...doubles. The perfect probability.

"Watch out for Two-Face." I wink and walk out the door, brushing past the blonde semi-amazon.

Reaching the street I smile and look towards where all the sirens are coming from.

Hmmm....why not? Slipping into the car I race down the street.

 

[Eddie Brock]

SUPERBOY

As I watch the heroes' most recent attempt fail, my heart sinks. That's it. It's all over. We threw our best at this guy, and it didn't work. I guess it's time to pack up and wait for our inevitable end. There's nothing left to do. We have no more tricks up our sleeves. We fought the good fight, and it wasn't enough. Simply 'doing the right thing' wasn't enough to defeat a foe this powerful. Batman did the right thing, and look where that got him. This isn't a movie. It isn't a game. It isn't some perfect world where good always vanquishes evil.

In the real world, it comes down to whoever's strong enough to remain standing at the end of the day. That award has always gone to Doomsday. Even Clark doesn't have that kind of endurance. I hate to put him on a pedestal, but if Superman can't do something - the odds aren't in anyone else's favor.

Speaking of which, where is Clark? I don't see him anywhere near the other heroes or Doomsday. The world's coming to an end, and Clark - our greatest hope for victory - is nowhere to be found. I guess that's the story of our lives. We're never in the right place. We're never at the right time. Despite our best efforts, it's never enough. It wasn't enough to save Kara. It wasn't enough to spare Cassie. It won't be enough to stop Doomsday. All of our blood, sweat, and tears are utterly irrelevant.

This 'good fight' that we supposedly fight for is just a ploy. There is no 'good fight.' There is no 'bad fight.' A fight is a fight is a fight. And there is only one possible outcome for a fight. Someone wins, and someone loses. Both sides take a beating, but the beating is only justified when you win.

And we haven't done that.

Kara's death has been in vain. Batman's death has been in vain. There is no such thing as an 'acceptable loss,' but it's certainly easier to swallow when - at the end of the day - you stand victorious. Instead, Kara and Bruce will just be a precursor to the inevitability. They won't be remembered as heroes who fell in the line of 'duty.' They will be remembered as the first of many tragic casualties.

And there's not a thing you or I can do about it.

"So that's it, then?" I ask aloud. The words pierce my tongue as they escape my lips. I look up with teary eyes but an angry expression. "They just win. The Dark Alliance just...wins. They got Kara. They got Batman. They nearly got me and Cassie. And just when it looks like we can't have failed any worse, they throw their worst at us. Doomsday."

I look over at the display of the battle.

"He's going to kill them all. You know that, right? He's going to kill every last one of them. He's going to kill everyone we've ever known and loved, and what are we doing?! We're sitting around in a bar with a talking monkey! If we're going to die, we should be down there dying with them!"

My tactical telekinesis flares, and loose bottles fall and crash to the floor. A couple of unoccupied stools are overturned. I bury my head in my hands. After a silently deafening moment, I feel Cassie's warm hand on my back. All of the sudden rage that was pent up inside me seems to seep out of every pore. I literally feel myself coming back down to normal, and I suddenly feel very embarrassed for my outburst.

"I...I'm sorry," I croak. I don't look up. I can't possibly face these people after what I said. I can't even face myself after what I thought! "I...I just...don't know what to do. I feel like...like I should do...something."
​

 

[Saved]

SUPERBOY​

As I watch the heroes' most recent attempt fail, my heart sinks. That's it. It's all over. We threw our best at this guy, and it didn't work. I guess it's time to pack up and wait for our inevitable end. There's nothing left to do. We have no more tricks up our sleeves. We fought the good fight, and it wasn't enough. Simply 'doing the right thing' wasn't enough to defeat a foe this powerful. Batman did the right thing, and look where that got him. This isn't a movie. It isn't a game. It isn't some perfect world where good always vanquishes evil.​

In the real world, it comes down to whoever's strong enough to remain standing at the end of the day. That award has always gone to Doomsday. Even Clark doesn't have that kind of endurance. I hate to put him on a pedestal, but if Superman can't do something - the odds aren't in anyone else's favor.​

Speaking of which, where is Clark? I don't see him anywhere near the other heroes or Doomsday. The world's coming to an end, and Clark - our greatest hope for victory - is nowhere to be found. I guess that's the story of our lives. We're never in the right place. We're never at the right time. Despite our best efforts, it's never enough. It wasn't enough to save Kara. It wasn't enough to spare Cassie. It won't be enough to stop Doomsday. All of our blood, sweat, and tears are utterly irrelevant.​

This 'good fight' that we supposedly fight for is just a ploy. There is no 'good fight.' There is no 'bad fight.' A fight is a fight is a fight. And there is only one possible outcome for a fight. Someone wins, and someone loses. Both sides take a beating, but the beating is only justified when you win.​

And we haven't done that.​

Kara's death has been in vain. Batman's death has been in vain. There is no such thing as an 'acceptable loss,' but it's certainly easier to swallow when - at the end of the day - you stand victorious. Instead, Kara and Bruce will just be a precursor to the inevitability. They won't be remembered as heroes who fell in the line of 'duty.' They will be remembered as the first of many tragic casualties.​

And there's not a thing you or I can do about it.​

"So that's it, then?" I ask aloud. The words pierce my tongue as they escape my lips. I look up with teary eyes but an angry expression. "They just win. The Dark Alliance just...wins. They got Kara. They got Batman. They nearly got me and Cassie. And just when it looks like we can't have failed any worse, they throw their worst at us. Doomsday."​

I look over at the display of the battle.​

"He's going to kill them all. You know that, right? He's going to kill every last one of them. He's going to kill everyone we've ever known and loved, and what are we doing?! We're sitting around in a bar with a talking monkey! If we're going to die, we should be down there dying with them!"​

My tactical telekinesis flares, and loose bottles fall and crash to the floor. A couple of unoccupied stools are overturned. I bury my head in my hands. After a silently deafening moment, I feel Cassie's warm hand on my back. All of the sudden rage that was pent up inside me seems to seep out of every pore. I literally feel myself coming back down to normal, and I suddenly feel very embarrassed for my outburst.​

"I...I'm sorry," I croak. I don't look up. I can't possibly face these people after what I said. I can't even face myself after what I thought! "I...I just...don't know what to do. I feel like...like I should do...something."​

"Well," Rose starts in an annoyed tone. "We could always go back to my original plan and take the fight back to them." She smiles as she leans up against a wall, resting her back firmly against it. "Hell, with Con here, we may stand a chance."

 

[Catman_prb]

Tim stood silently as the Joker was led away, as though deep in thought. His hands formed fists by his side, then slowly unclenched them again. He picked up the battered communicator in his hands, and turned it on.

"Titans. Looks like the fight with Doomsday isn't over yet. If you want to get a piece of him, I suggest you get over there now. Connor, they could use you. I have some things to take care of. Con, you're in charge until I get back. Robin out," He said into the small machine, turning it over in his hands.

"Take Bruce to the cave." Babs voice commanded from over the comms. Tim bowed his head. Somehow he knew it would come to this. He had hoped to avoid it, but it was inevitable. He had to see Bruce's body. Why did it scare him so, to think of his mentor cold and lifeless, drained of blood on the dank street floor? It scared him more than the thought of being alone. But then again, he had already been alone these last few months. He'd gotten his own apartment, a pathetic attempt at getting his own life outside of the mansion. But he'd been alright. He still had his friends, absent though they sometimes were.

"I'm on it," he croaked, putting the communicator back at his hip.

He started walking towards the black smoke rising from what he assumed was the wreckage, dragging his feet as he went. As he approached, he recognised it as an Apokalypton Sun-Killer. Files that Bruce had shown him...taught him how to recognise extra-terrestrial threats. Mainly Darkseid. It seemed odd to know that he would never have those lessons, or lessons like them again.

He saw him before anything else registered. The giant spaceship, crashed in the middle of Gotham. He looked at the sign that had been sent flying across the street by the wreckage, yet not destroyed. He smiled. As he realised where he was. Crime Alley. Life was funny like that...or death maybe? It all comes full circle in the end. He was mildly surprised that both Bruce and the Joker had survived the crash. Apokalypton defences he supposed.

He knelt down next to his body, in a pool of blood. Blood everywhere. He felt cold to it now, all the death and blood and destruction. Numb to it, that was what he was. He sniffed loudly, and wiped the blood on his leggings. He put his arms through Bruce's, trying to drag him along. It was then that he found the flaw in the plan. Bruce was very heavy. Sure he had carried him home before, but he had always been semi-conscious, enough to take some of the weight off of Tim's hands. But not like this. Not like this.

There was some distance to Wayne Manor from here, Crime Alley. He doubted he would be able to make it all the way over there on foot, seeing as he had to cross a fair bit of open country. But he had to get him away from the wreckage, he could see what he could do from there. Getting a tight hold, he dragged Bruce along the pavement, a trail of blood briefly following them. People looked out at him, frightened, from their houses, curtains twitching. He ignored them, carrying on with his task.

If it had been the old days, he would have called Alfred up to pick him up. But he wasn't around any more. Bruce probably had some kind of teleporter in his utility belt, that would be his kind of thing. But Tim neither wanted to, or had the energy to, look through his belt. It would have felt like sacriledge.

After a while and a metres later, he spotted a pickup truck parked along the side of the road, the owner mercifully not around. He hesitated for a second, considering the implications of what he was about to do. He carried on, and smashed the window of the truck, opening it from the inside. He picked up Bruce's body and dumped it unceremoniously into the passengers seat. The head lolled, and Tim felt the urge to vomit. He breathed deeply, remembering what Bruce had told him about hotwiring a car. Get in the car. Look under the dash. If it enclosed, forget it unless you want to cut through it. If you do, do it near the ignition. Once you get behind or near the ignition look for two red wires. In older cars red was the standard color, if not, look for two matched pairs. Cross them, then drive like hell.

"Come on," he muttered, crossing the wires. The truck started, and he put it in gear, driving up the street. Bruce had taught him to drive, for emergencies only. This wasn't an emergency. He could have let Superman taken him, or waited for Dick to get here to help. But somehow it didn't feel right.

A few minutes later, he came up towards Wayne Manor. There was no traffic, unsurprisingly. He stopped at the gates, and walked over to them. there was a padlock around them, as well as a chain. He sighed and wondered if Bruce had made it deliberately weak. He walked back to to the truck and drove forwards again, crashing into and then through the gates and onto the other side. Tim wondered briefly where Bruce had been sleeping recently; if he had been at the Mansion then there would have been better protection.

He climbed out of the truck, and took Bruce's body with him, dragging it along and up the steps to the Mansion. He fumbled through his utility belt, he knew he had keys for this set of doors. Finding them, he opened the great double doors, and pulled Bruce through after him. He dragged him to the secret entrance to the cave behind the grandfather clock. He pushed past it, and manouvered Bruce's body carefully down the stairs towards the bottom of the cave.

It was easier now that he was in the cave. He put Bruce's body on a gurney they had kept for whenever anyone got too badly injured. Finally he took the mask off of his mentor's face. It was...unpleasant to say the least to see the look of shock and surprise there. The eyes were still open. He had taken the body all the way from Crime Alley to Wayne Manor and he hadn't noticed that his eyes were still open. He closed them, bowing his head for a second.

He powered up the computer, and sat in the chair for a second before taking his mask and cape off. He rubbed his temples wearily, refusing to look at the body behind him. When the computer was all up and ready, he accessed the cameras that Bruce had set up all over the city. He leaned back in his chair and watched the battle going on between Doomsday and the heroes. He opened up communcations with Oracle, putting everything on loudspeaker.

"We're...I'm here. I've got the b- I've got Bruce," Tim said, stumbling over his words. He sank back into the chair.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Zachary Zatara

"Now that Superboy is back...well, needless to say, that changes things." Detective Chimp croaks as he turns and drops off his chair, without even spilling the drink in his hand. He walks over to Connor and pats him on the leg. "You up for this, kid?"

I look over to Connor, who's looking down at Chimp, and he nods. The determination in his eyes strikes me, and it's then that I realize just how much he looks like Superman."Good."

"We'll go too." I hear someone state bravely. Oh hell, that was me, wasn't it?

I really need to run things through my head before I say them.

"Zach, I don't think that's a goo--" Danny starts, his eyes full of worry but I cut him off.

"You wanted me to be a hero, Danny, that's what I'm doing. You don't need to babysit me anymore, dude. Besides..." I look over to Connor, my eyes then going to Wonder Girl and over to Rose.

"...we're a team. And there's no 'I' in 'Teen Tit......nevermind. So, count me in, Connor."
​

 

[Byrd Man]

Gotham City
Many Years Ago

A young boy stands in the middle of an empty cirus tent. It's been hours since it happened, but he relives every second of it. The snap of the rope, the screams and the sound of the crowd gasping as the bodies fell to the ground, the sick sound of the bodies thumping to the ground.

It's been hours now, but he can still see the life leave their eyes. John and Mary Grayson, The Flying Graysons. In one small move, their lives are gone and he is truly alone.

"I know how you feel."

Out of the darkness, a hand touches the young boy's shoulder. Firm but gentle, the hand's owner steps out of the shadows. A man in a suit, his hair slicked back and a mournful look on his face.

"The hole in your heart. You pray that you could have went with them, knowing that no matter what you do, you'll be alone."

The young boy drops to his knees as the man picks him up and looks him in the eye.

"I'm here to tell you, Dick. From now on, you'll never be alone."

The boy, on the verge of tears looks at the stranger.

"Wh-...who are you?"

"I'm Bruce Wayne. And I can offer you something that I never had....Justice."
​

**********​

The Batcave
Not So Many Years Ago


"What was I suppose to do, Bruce?"

The boy is now a young man, he's college aged. While he's Dick Grayson, he goes around at night calling himself Robin: The Boy Wonder. Although, unbeknowst to him or his mentor, he's close to losing that role.
He now stalks through the shadows, furious at the man who offered him justice all those years ago.

"You have a duty to protect Gotham first."

"But The Titans needed me!"

"I needed you."

"I'm tired of being your goddamn errand boy wonder!"

"Fine. You're fired."

He stops on his heels and looks at the man he's known as a brother as well as a father.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Fine!"

He stomps off towards one of the many vehicles in the cave.

"...Dick?"

The boy turns on his heels and looks at his mentor, a small smile on his face.

"Yes?"

"Leave your uniform and don't take one of my cars."
​

**************​

Bludhaven
In The Not Too Distant Past

"I told you I could handle it."

Now a man, Dick Grayson calls himself Nightwing, although to himself, he isn't a man until he's a man in the eyes of the one who called him his Boy Wonder.

"You're still too physical, you need to out think your opponent, one day your speed won't be there to save you."

One a rooftop, the two men stare at each other, the young man not giving into his mentor's steely gaze.

"And?"

Something happens that doesn't happen often....his mentor smiles, not a big smile, more of a smirk, still to the young man, it's a sign of trust and acceptance.

"You did good. Bludhaven has a protector to call it's own."
​

*********​

Gotham City
Now

My head feels two sizes too small as I sit up. I notice I'm somewhere I haven't been in awhile...Bab's bedroom. My body aches all over, and my arm is in a cast. I have no idea what happened. I'm stripped out of my Nightwing clothes, just in a pair of shorts.

"You're awake."

Babs stands at the doorway into her room, and by the look on her face I know that it's bad news. Tears already stain her face, behind her glasses. This is real bad news.

"What's wrong?"

She bites her lip and looks down at the floor.

"It's Bruce.....Dick..he's dead...."

I scoff as I sit up and manage to stand up.

"Pssh, yeah. Sure."

"Dick...I'm serious."

My stomach goes cold as Barbara shoots me a look. She's not playing.

"...No.."

My knees buckle, it feels like Mike Tyson is pounding on my stomach. All the feelings that run through me, sadness, grief, sickness, all tumbling together until finally...

"BLAH!"

Whatever food I had in my stomach lands on Bab's carpet.

"Oh, god...this can't be happening. He's not dead!"

Babs places a hand on my shoulder, I sling it off.

"He's nod dead, youy hear me?!"

"Dick..please...listen to me...go to the cave...you'll see."

I run out of the bedroom and towards a ledge. I don't care if I'm half naked and wearing a cast. I have to know for myself.​

**********​

"We're...I'm here. I've got the b- I've got Bruce."

"Tim..."

Tim turns to look at me standing in the shadows, my face a mask of bewilderment and rage.

"Tell me it's not true...please...."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a figure on a table. I already know what it is.

"No..."

I slump to the floor as I see his face cast in the light.

"It wasn't suppose to be like this...he promised me..."
​

***********​

The Batcave
A Good While Ago

"You sure you don't want to change your colors? Yellow stands out like a sore thumb."

"These were my parents colors. So, not a chance."

"And your sold on Robin?"

"Yep."

The man looks at the boy in the darkness, they both hold their hands up, taking an oath, making a promise.

"We're family, Dick. I'll always be there for you."

"Well, then." The boy smiles as he slips on a mask.

"Let's go to work!"

"Batman, and Robin The Boy Wonder!"​

 

[Eddie Brock]

SUPERBOY

I take a deep breath. I'm going to need to think rationally and dispassionately if we're going to do this. I can't afford to let anything - emotions, regrets, fears, you name it - cloud my judgment. Tim has left me in charge, and I want to prove that I'm more than capable. Maybe I've inherited that from Big Blue - at least. All that said, I still wish Tim was by my side. He has things he needs to deal with, and so do we.

"This isn't going to be a walk in the park, but I guess it never is," I shrug. I put my hands on my hips and look at the symbol on my shirt. It stands for so much. It's time for me to earn it. "Even so, they need all the help they can get down there, and we're going to deliver."

I look over at Rose. "I trust I don't need to tell you twice," I chuckle. She stands up straight and runs her fingers along the hilt of her sword. She's ready. I never doubted that. I simply nod.

I turn back to Zach. He almost fell by Doomsday's hand once already. I'm not sure if I want to put him back in all of that. But he's sure. And that's good enough for me. "I'm not going to tell you that you can't or that you shouldn't..."

Zach nods understandingly.

"But if things down there start getting hairy, I want you..."

I glance over my shoulder at Cassie. She's biting her lip nervously. I'm sure it kills her that she can't be down there. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be stuck up here while your friends face a possible death. She must feel so helpless - and so afraid for our lives.

Lowering my voice, I continue, "I want you to get somewhere safe. No one's asking you to give your life for this. God knows there are better things you could do with it." I pat his shoulder and wink. Zach is - in all likelihood - the bravest of all of us. Admirable is too small a word to properly describe his actions so far in this crisis.

I look up at Blue Devil. "Stay safe," I say softly as I extend a hand.

He nods and smiles. Taking my hand, he replies, "You, too, man." This is what a situation like this is all about. Heroes coming together for a common cause. If I weren't so frightened, I'd appreciate this moment so much more.

"I'll stay here," Detective Chimp calls out. Pretending to be indifferent, he adds, "Besides, what good would I be down there?" I see his true motive, though. As he pours himself another drink, I see him glancing over at Cassie. He doesn't want her to be alone. I catch his eye and send him a silent 'thank you.' He just nods and then downs his glass.

"Ready?" Nightshade asks.

I'm still looking at Cassie. "Take the others," I command. "I need a minute."

"Connor, what about--?"

"Make contact with the Justice League. Tell them that the Titans and the Shadowpact are here to help. They'll tell you what to do from there. Just follow their instructions, and everything will be fine," I assure him. There is much more confidence in my voice than I feel I really have. Still, it's better for me to be that solid foundation I'm meant to be. Someone on this team has to look at the bright side - even when it's not completely there. "I promise. I'll be right behind you."

Everyone gathers together, and Nightshade teleports them all away. Cassie, Detective Chimp, and I are now alone. When I look up again, I see one of the doors closing. It appears that Detective Chimp can respect the privacy I want in this moment.

Kneeling down at Cassie's feet, I take her hand. She can't look at me without losing her cool. Instead, she just bites her lip harder. "Cassie, I'm coming back. I mean that. I'm coming back to you."

"I'm sure that's what Superman thought, too," she croaks.

"Look, I have Zach down there. I have Rose--" At this, Cassie scoffs. "--down there. I have the whole Shadowpact and the Justice League down there. I'm not alone in this. We're going to win." Ironic - considering my little outburst only a moment ago. But now, for some reason, my mood has shifted. Something inside me tells me that we can win. We must win. "You have my word, Cassandra Sandsmark, that I will be back."

Cassie takes my hand and places something in it. I look down to see the red star earrings that she always wears. "I know it sounds stupid, but I wanted you to have something..."

I put a hand on her cheek and look into her watery eyes. "It's perfect," I admit. I stand up just as Nightshade returns. The moment of truth, I suppose.

Nightshade looks at me, and I nod. She puts a hand on my shoulder as Cassie cries out, "Connor, if I never see you again--"

"You will."

"But if I don't, I just want to say...I love you."

Now I'm the one biting my lip. I won't say goodbye. Saying goodbye is like admitting that I'm going somewhere. I'm not going anywhere. I meant what I said. I will be back. I will see Cassie again.

I close my eyes. "I know."

Not the most perfect 'last words,' but I know they won't be our last words. They can't be. And in a flash, the Oblivion Bar, Cassie, and even Detective Chimp are all gone. When I open my eyes again, I see the destruction of the frontline. Rose and Zach are only a few feet away.

"Let's do this," I announce.
​

 

[Green Lantern]

The trident's spear-tips dig deep into the monster's craggy hide. If the creature had a heart, it would surely be pierced.

But Doomsday/Brainiac shows no pain. Only rage as he releases a bestial roar and tears the trident from his being.

The holes in his skin slowly begin to close as the monster charges the pair, his heavy footfalls shaking the entire area.

Doomsday/Brainiac swings at Aquaman, the blow clipping the ducking hero on the shoulder and sending him skipping across the ground.

"You", Doomsday/Brainiac sneers through gritted teeth as Black Adam connects with a punch to the monster's face.

Recovering almost instantly, Doomsday/Brainiac reaches out with his free hand and grasps the Khandaqi ruler by the face.

"You should have fled when you had the chance", states the monster as it slams Black Adam face-first into the concrete.

"It is an error you will soon regret", bellows Doomsday/Brainiac as he raises the trident above his head. In one swift motion, the monster brings the weapon downward, stabbing the monarch through his right shoulder and breaking through his chest.
To his credit, Black Adam does not scream. He grits his teeth and does his best to remain stoic as the trident's points dig deep into the concrete underneath him.

His enemy severely wounded and pinned down, Doomsday/Brainiac reaches back with his fist to finish Black Adam off.

But suddenly the monster is blasted by an unseen force and sent rocketing away.
The impact is deafening, and the shockwave from it sends everything in the immediate area flying backwards.
The trident that pinned Adam to the ground is torn free, and the Khandaqi king is sent tumbling away, the trident's blades still protruding from his chest.

Doomsday/Brainiac is sent smashing through rubble and buildings before coming to a halt nearly a mile away. The path of destruction from his passing is enormous, and the beast sits unmoving amid a pile of rubble.

But, after a few seconds, the monster begins to slowly rise to it's feet.
The creature has survived yet another amazing gambit from his enemies, seemingly none the worse for wear.

Suddenly Kyle didn't know what to do. Bruce was gone. Gone, like that. The most superhuman human to ever live. Bruce was one of the first that accepted him as a replacement to Hal. Of course that could just be that the two of them never got along in the first place... Sure Bruce could be a little paranoid at times, but in his shoes, who wouldn't? He's a mortal among gods, of course he has to have plans for if they go cuckoo. Hal proved that one...

As Kyle was lost in thought, the battle still raged below him. He watched as Jay ran into Doomsday with every thing he had. Still trying to shake the thought of losing yet another ally, no yet another friend, Kyle watched the monster get up again from the impact.

Oh... No you didn't. You shoulda just stayed down. I'm pissed and there's nothing I'd like to do more than beat the living tar out of something right now...

"HEY FUGLY! Let me give you a standing ovation for surviving that you bone headed son of a cuss!"

Two large green hands began to clap in thunderous applause, colliding on Doomsday every time they connected.

 

[Green Lantern]

"Heh. He had more holes in him than the Japanese Navy."

"Says the man who shot himself in the butt with an arrow."

I smile and tip my cap to Roy.

"You got me there. But in my defense, I didn't think that arrow was going to ricochet off that car hood."

Roy smirks, Dinah laughs, and Lian smiles.

The battle rages elsewhere, our friends fight for the fate of the world, but there's no place I'd rather be than here, with my family.

Roy couldn't help but smile as they all cracked jokes at each others expense. Even in a time like this, his family was lighthearted. After everything that had happened tonight, it seemed like months. It was hard to believe it had been a matter of hours since Lian had been kidnapped. A matter of hours since she had been scarred and traumatized. A matter of hours since he had done the unthinkable.

His smile faded again as he thought of Slade and what he had done. Ollie could tell what Roy was feeling and put a hand on his shoulder. He whispered so that only Roy could hear.

"Roy, don't get down on yourself. No one's going to lord it over you, except maybe Bruce. I won't. I'm just pissed I couldn't have done the bastard in myself."

At that moment Roy's Titans communicator beeped.

 

[Green Lantern]

Stupid Goddamn Hype. MB delete this please.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

Suddenly Kyle didn't know what to do. Bruce was gone. Gone, like that. The most superhuman human to ever live. Bruce was one of the first that accepted him as a replacement to Hal. Of course that could just be that the two of them never got along in the first place... Sure Bruce could be a little paranoid at times, but in his shoes, who wouldn't? He's a mortal among gods, of course he has to have plans for if they go cuckoo. Hal proved that one...

As Kyle was lost in thought, the battle still raged below him. He watched as Jay ran into Doomsday with every thing he had. Still trying to shake the thought of losing yet another ally, no yet another friend, Kyle watched the monster get up again from the impact.

Oh... No you didn't. You shoulda just stayed down. I'm pissed and there's nothing I'd like to do more than beat the living tar out of something right now...

"HEY FUGLY! Let me give you a standing ovation for surviving that you bone headed son of a cuss!"

Two large green hands began to clap in thunderous applause, colliding on Doomsday every time they connected.

Doomsday/Brainiac was caught in the middle of the two giant emerald hands, as they smashed into him in rapid succession.

But the monster's annoyance definitely out-weighted any pain he might possibly be feeling. And it showed as the creature looked up at the Lantern with his hate-filled eyes.

The telepathic attack was swift and brutal. Kyle's mental blocks and Green Lantern training were the only thing that kept it from being fatal.
The hands disappeared instantly, but the Lantern remained in the sky. A testiment to his force of will.

"Impressive, but futile."

The monster grabbed hold of the Lantern with it's telekinetic grip and yanked him down.
Kyle kept enough wits about him to conjure up a force field before the impact, but the force in which he smashed into the ground still left the Lantern dazed and hurt.

Picking up a broken SUV in one hand, Doomsday/Brainiac lept into the air towards Kyle, ready to smash the Lantern into paste.

 

[Eddie Brock]

Doomsday/Brainiac was caught in the middle of the two giant emerald hands, as they smashed into him in rapid succession.

But the monster's annoyance definitely out-weighted any pain he might possibly be feeling. And it showed as the creature looked up at the Lantern with his hate-filled eyes.

The telepathic attack was swift and brutal. Kyle's mental blocks and Green Lantern training were the only thing that kept it from being fatal.
The hands disappeared instantly, but the Lantern remained in the sky. A testiment to his force of will.

"Impressive, but futile."

The monster grabbed hold of the Lantern with it's telekinetic grip and yanked him down.
Kyle kept enough wits about him to conjure up a force field before the impact, but the force in which he smashed into the ground still left the Lantern dazed and hurt.

Picking up a broken SUV in one hand, Doomsday/Brainiac lept into the air towards Kyle, ready to smash the Lantern into paste.

I react before thinking or saying anything. We've already had one ally fall tonight, and I'm not going to allow another. Besides, if it's a fight Doomsday wants, it's a fight he'll get. And there's only one person in this world worthy of challenging him. That's not me, but - until Clark returns - I'm the closest we've got.

On the first pass, I race by and snatch the SUV out of Doomsday's hands. Tossing it effortlessly aside, I come back for a second pass to get Green Lantern out of there. I take Green Lantern a few yards away, and I put him back on his feet. "Never worse for the wear, I hope," I state with a kind smile.

My smile fades as I take off again, spinning around to face Doomsday.

"Surely you'd be much more interested in a half-Kryptonian than a lone Green Lantern," I announce. Sometimes, I really wonder where this confident tone is coming from. After all, I'm willingly challenging one of the two creatures that managed to kill Clark - without even the help of Kryptonite. I must be crazy. "I mean, what does he matter to someone like you?"

 

[Blacklight]

I can tell Wally's released me when the world suddenly becomes a horrifically colored and skewed version of itself. The whole of Gotham passes by almost faster than I can perceive. And suddenly, the monster is there, fighting my friends in frozen fury. I use my anger and focus my mind as the last moments of my journey pass by....

Goodbye...

IMPACT

I watched as Mr. Garrick had made contact with Brainsday, and how the force-field surrounding him had caused him and Doomsday to travel halfway through Gotham before coming to a stop.

It was horrifying.

What's worse is that, that could've been me...

He risked his life to protect me from being hurt like that. I need to help him.

I flew as fast as the Legion ring could allow towards the wreckage. Where the other Leaguers were was at the back of my mind. Then I spotted him...

"Mr. Garrick!"

He was lying there like a sack of broken bones and guts. It almost made me vomit. His eyes were dead white, but I could still hear a faint pulse.

Quickly I pulled out my communicator, and before I could press the button to blare out my message, the words struck me like lightning...

:"Superman to all points...Batman is dead.":

Oh my god...

The potentially second most awesome man in the world has just been killed...and I wasn't there to stop it. How in god's name could this have happened?

But then I look down at Mr. Garrick, and feel him fading away fast. I can't let him die too!

"This is Booster to all Leaguers! We need some medical attention stat! Flash! Wonder Woman! ANYONE! Please! We've already lost enough friends today! Let's not lose another..."

I looked down at Jay's limp and floppy body, as a single tear ran down my cheek.

"Hang in there, Jay. Someone will help us. I know they will..."

With all this crap the big guy upstairs has been dumping on us today, I can only hope that Ted hasn't suffered Batman's fate...

 

[Catman_prb]

"We're...I'm here. I've got the b- I've got Bruce."​

"Tim..."​

Tim turns to look at me standing in the shadows, my face a mask of bewilderment and rage.​

"Tell me it's not true...please...."​

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a figure on a table. I already know what it is.​

"No..."​

I slump to the floor as I see his face cast in the light.​

"It wasn't suppose to be like this...he promised me..."​

"He couldn't know," Tim said, looking down at Dick on the floor. He reached over and put a hand on his surrogate brother's shoulder.

"The life we live, he could never know. Whether he was coming home that night. Whether we were," he said quietly.

"We can never know, if we're going to live or die. Bruce didn't," he continued.

"He died doing what he loved Dick," he said, clenching his shoulder "He saved the world. Again,"

 

[wiegeabo]

Geez Jay, back already? What, do you have a death wish?

Oh no. I slowly open one eye. Even though the light is muted, it's still nearly blinding. It takes a few moments for my vision to focus. ...Hi Barry.

Barry offers his hand and helps me stand up. Hi Barry? Is that all you can say? He shakes his head. I mean, you were just here. I'd think one close call would be enough.

So...am I...really...?

It's ok. You can say it. Dead.

So I am.

Barry shakes his head in all seriousness and puts his hand on my shoulder. ...Not quite. A grin spreads over his face and I knock his hand away.

Darn it, Barry. I always hated when you did that.

Heh. I couldn't help myself. But maybe it'll teach you not to do any fool things anymore. I mean, come on, did you really think that was going to stop Brainiac, or Doomsday, or whatever he's calling himself?

Oh, right. Like you're someone who should be lecturing me on not sacrificing himself.

Hey, my gamble payed off old man.

I punch Barry in the shoulder. Don't call me old. Barry and I laugh, but then he looks at me oddly.

Um...Jay? You feeling ok?

Why...well, now that you mention it. I am feeling a little warm.

I thought so. Because...you're sweating. And, take it from me, that's not normal.

I wipe my forehead and look at the water on my fingers. It can't be real.

No. It's just a metaphysical manifestation representing what's happening to you in the physical world.

I suddenly feel faint, and Barry becomes blurry. Why? What's happening to me?

I think you're about to find out...

***

"uhhhh..." My body feels like it's been pulled behind a cross-country train. It takes a couple of tries to get my eyes to open, and when I do...all I see is a yellow glow. "Wha-wha"

"Don't try to speak. This is much harder than it looks."

I don't even need to open my eyes to know that voice. "S-S-Sinestro?"

"Yes. Now be quiet." My eyes finally crack open and I can see the former Lantern crouched beside me, ring extended. I can feel the warm energy surrounding my body. Behind Sinestro is someone else. It takes me a moment to focus on the person. And that's when I realize its-

"Booster. I told you to stop crowding me," Sinestro says impatiently.
"What's...happening..."

"I'm healing you while the others buy us time. Now kindly...Shut. Up. And Booster, I swear to the gods that if you don't calm down and give me some room..."

I can hear the sounds of battle taking place. Our gambit failed. But it could have been worse. Because I know there's no way Booster could have survived this. Heck, I don't know how I survived it. Finally the yellow light fades and Sinestro sighs.

"I can do no more. I suspect your body can handle the rest."

I try sitting up, and Booster helps me. "Thanks." I look at Sinestro and realize just how battered he is. "You look how I feel."

He almost grins. "I am probably worse. You see, while I heal you...my ring...can't heal...me..." His eyes roll up and he falls back onto the ground.

"Damn. Booster, get us out of here."

 

[Byrd Man]

"He couldn't know," Tim said, looking down at Dick on the floor. He reached over and put a hand on his surrogate brother's shoulder.

"The life we live, he could never know. Whether he was coming home that night. Whether we were," he said quietly.

"We can never know, if we're going to live or die. Bruce didn't," he continued.

"He died doing what he loved Dick," he said, clenching his shoulder "He saved the world. Again,"

Tim's right. I stand up and look him in the eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Tim."

The pain he's been through in these past few years. His dad dying, his friends dying, and now Bruce dying.

"You know, someone once joked to me that one of the qualifications of being Robin was to have someone in your family die."

I walk over to the body...I mean, Bruce...

"I know you can't hear me....but I want you to know...I love you. You were a father, a teacher, a brother in arms. No matter how bad it got, I could always go to you."

I place a hand on his still chest, and slump my shoulders.

"Go to heaven, Bruce Wayne....you've served your time in hell."

********​

The Batcave
Years Ago

"Get up."

The shadowy figure stares at the young boy laying on the hard, rocky floor.

"I'm so tired...I can barely stand."

"Do you expect the scum we fight to pity you?"

Out of the darkness, a batarang plants next to the boy's head. He springs up, ready to fight again.

"A wise man once told me, the reason we fall is so we can learn to pick ourselves back up."

The shadowy figure swings at the boy with a cane, it knocks him off his feet and he hits the ground again.

"Get up. Trust me, it gets harder each time."

Now the boy stands, with a steely look in his eyes.

"C'mon, then..."
​

**********​

Now

I turn back at look at Tim. Like a boxer, we've both been knocked to the canvas way too many times. Our parents, our friends, Alfred, and now Bruce.

But that's why we fall.

"Come here, Tim."

He gingerly approaches me and I put my hand on his shoulder.

"It's just you and me now, Kiddo."

Someone once joked to me that the qualifications of being Robin was to have someone in your family die.

If that's the case, then Tim is the best one.

"You and me."

The two Robins. Orphans, once again.​

 

[Byrd Man]

Roy couldn't help but smile as they all cracked jokes at each others expense. Even in a time like this, his family was lighthearted. After everything that had happened tonight, it seemed like months. It was hard to believe it had been a matter of hours since Lian had been kidnapped. A matter of hours since she had been scarred and traumatized. A matter of hours since he had done the unthinkable.

His smile faded again as he thought of Slade and what he had done. Ollie could tell what Roy was feeling and put a hand on his shoulder. He whispered so that only Roy could hear.

"Roy, don't get down on yourself. No one's going to lord it over you, except maybe Bruce. I won't. I'm just pissed I couldn't have done the bastard in myself."

At that moment Roy's Titans communicator beeped.

I have a little smile on my face...that is until I see the look on Roy's face. It's deadly serious, like a stone wall. I know that whatever he knows...it's bad...real bad. I'm almost too afraid to ask.

"Oh, god. What's wrong?"