The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season VII

[Blacklight]

Descending from the skies, Carter makes his entrance.
"Plastic Man has taken Tommy to the nearest hospital. No need to worry, the kid did good for his first encounter with a supervillain. And I think you will find his...hidden talents are really quite a sight. But, that is for another time."

Taking up his mace, he tightens his grip.

"I've had enough of these mad scientists. Let's tear up this one's laboratory so we can be done with it."

"Now you're speaking my language..." I exclaimed as I cracked my neck and my knuckles.

Then as Hawkman and Sinestro took to the skies, Marvel, Jay and I sped off towards our designated areas of the small town of Pahrump, myself looking the entire section over and over again in a matter of minutes.

Eventually I put on the brakes and came to a stop, pulling out my communicator as I did.

"Guys, this is Flash. Nothing in this area. Hope you guys are having better luck than I am. Anybody find anything yet?"

 

[MadRhapsody]

“... Good morning, my little boy.”

My name is Carol Ferris. I am the owner of Ferris Air, Hal Jordan’s wife, and Martin Jordan’s mother.

I know what you're thinking. Living a normal life in the middle of diabolical chaos seems intense, but I'm not afraid of the dangers. I cannot show fear to my enemies. If that were to ever happen, darkness would consume my heart, and I cannot allow that. I have too much to do, especially for my son. He needs me. He also needs his father, but...

Oh Hal...

... I suppose it can't be helped when your husband happens to be a super hero under the Green Lantern Corps. At least he visits us whenever he has the time. The last time he dropped by the house, however, was to warn us about Hector Hammond. Hmph. So one of my former employees is still out there, searching... waiting... but I will not give him what he wants. We will not give him what he wants. I don't care how many powers he has in his arsenal. I fear no one.

No one. . .

With a smile to suppress my emotional adrenaline, I gently lifted Martin out of his crib and into my arms, then we left his room to enter the kitchen. He cooed and giggled, softly saying "Ma" and reaching out to cup his hands on my face. My smile widened as I leaned in to kiss the top of his brown head of hair, stopping before his baby seat and carefully adjusting him onto it. Once secure, I circled around the table, stopped before the refrigerator and opened it. I took a fresh, unopened can of Motts apple sauce, closed it and grabbed a small Mickey Mouse spoon as I passed by the dish tray. Before I reached my son, my cell phone went off and I sighed. I wish I could turn it off and keep it off for just one day. Almost aggressively, I answer it. "This better be good."

"I-I'm sorry to bother you, Mrs. Jordan, but I need your help."

"I can't help you in person right now, I'm taking care of my son," I started, holding back the urge to raise my voice too much, especially in the presence of my son. While I held the cell phone between my right cheek and shoulder, I opened up the apple sauce, took a small spoonful and started to wave it around carefully in front of Martin. He started to giggle and created a saliva bubble with his mouth. No matter what I was feeling, he always made me feel better. I loved him so much... "Here comes the airplane! Vroooooom!"

"What airplane?"

"I'm not talking to you, idiot. I'm talking to my son..."

Martin giggled softly and opened his mouth enough to invite the small spoonful of apple sauce. Contently, he slurped on it a little and my smile only widened. However, thinking about my husband caused it to fade slowly. If only he would spend more time with us... I understand that he has to protect the universe from evil, but he is not just a guardian or a hero. He is a father and a husband.

Regardless, I will always love him. He is a hero so we may live normal lives. He takes on the dangers so we don't have to. I am grateful to him, always and forever. I just wish there was more time between the three of us... as I spoke to one of my employees over the phone and fed my son his favorite apple sauce, I heard the door bell ring. I withdraw the empty spoon away from my son and set it into his food.

"That must be the nanny," I said calmly. "I'll be heading to work soon. Whatever problems you have, I'll take care of it when I get there." Before my employee could respond, I hung up, set down my cell phone on the table and kiss the top of my son's head. "Wait here, sweetie," I smiled and headed for the door, his giggles growing softer the closer I became. Standing before it now, I reached out, unlocked everything and opened it...

My heart skipped a beat.

"You."

And I tried to slam the door shut.

 

[Red_Robin77]

"You cannot. The Guardians are not seeing one right now."

"The hell they aren't. We want to see those pint-sized pricks now!"

"You enter their chamber and you will be held for insubortination!"

"You don't get it, Salaak. We're Honor Lanterns. It's our job to protect the corps." Kyle follows me as I push him aside and head towards their chambers.

"Even if it means saving the corps from itself."​

I follow Guy onwards into the Guardians' chamber, with Salaak desperatedly trying to stop us.

"Do not do this!"

"Just try and stop us," I tell him as we burst in.

I look around at the assembled group of small blue people, thinking about what they had been hiding from us. I stood in the center and prepare to address them.

"Oh great and bountiful Guardians of the Universe, I beg of you to listen!" I mock at them before straightening my back, my face completely stern.

"So, Blackest Night. I'll let you start."

 

[MadRhapsody]

“... Good morning, my little boy.”

My name is Carol Ferris. I am the owner of Ferris Air, Hal Jordan’s wife, and Martin Jordan’s mother.

I know what you're thinking. Living a normal life in the middle of diabolical chaos seems intense, but I'm not afraid of the dangers. I cannot show fear to my enemies. If that were to ever happen, darkness would consume my heart, and I cannot allow that. I have too much to do, especially for my son. He needs me. He also needs his father, but...

Oh Hal...

... I suppose it can't be helped when your husband happens to be a super hero under the Green Lantern Corps. At least he visits us whenever he has the time. The last time he dropped by the house, however, was to warn us about Hector Hammond. Hmph. So one of my former employees is still out there, searching... waiting... but I will not give him what he wants. We will not give him what he wants. I don't care how many powers he has in his arsenal. I fear no one.

No one. . .

With a smile to suppress my emotional adrenaline, I gently lifted Martin out of his crib and into my arms, then we left his room to enter the kitchen. He cooed and giggled, softly saying "Ma" and reaching out to cup his hands on my face. My smile widened as I leaned in to kiss the top of his brown head of hair, stopping before his baby seat and carefully adjusting him onto it. Once secure, I circled around the table, stopped before the refrigerator and opened it. I took a fresh, unopened can of Motts apple sauce, closed it and grabbed a small Mickey Mouse spoon as I passed by the dish tray. Before I reached my son, my cell phone went off and I sighed. I wish I could turn it off and keep it off for just one day. Almost aggressively, I answer it. "This better be good."

"I-I'm sorry to bother you, Mrs. Jordan, but I need your help."

"I can't help you in person right now, I'm taking care of my son," I started, holding back the urge to raise my voice too much, especially in the presence of my son. While I held the cell phone between my right cheek and shoulder, I opened up the apple sauce, took a small spoonful and started to wave it around carefully in front of Martin. He started to giggle and created a saliva bubble with his mouth. No matter what I was feeling, he always made me feel better. I loved him so much... "Here comes the airplane! Vroooooom!"

"What airplane?"

"I'm not talking to you, idiot. I'm talking to my son..."

Martin giggled softly and opened his mouth enough to invite the small spoonful of apple sauce. Contently, he slurped on it a little and my smile only widened. However, thinking about my husband caused it to fade slowly. If only he would spend more time with us... I understand that he has to protect the universe from evil, but he is not just a guardian or a hero. He is a father and a husband.

Regardless, I will always love him. He is a hero so we may live normal lives. He takes on the dangers so we don't have to. I am grateful to him, always and forever. I just wish there was more time between the three of us... as I spoke to one of my employees over the phone and fed my son his favorite apple sauce, I heard the door bell ring. I withdraw the empty spoon away from my son and set it into his food.

"That must be the nanny," I said calmly. "I'll be heading to work soon. Whatever problems you have, I'll take care of it when I get there." Before my employee could respond, I hung up, set down my cell phone on the table and kiss the top of my son's head. "Wait here, sweetie," I smiled and headed for the door, his giggles growing softer the closer I became. Standing before it now, I reached out, unlocked everything and opened it...

My heart skipped a beat.

"You."

And I tried to slam the door shut.

(OOC: Co-written with Keyser Soze. <3)

Hector Hammond. He's here.

Before I can close the door, it's blasted off its hinges by a blast of orange energy. The orange ring. Another blast knocks me off the feet, sending me flying across the hallway. As I land in a heap at the far wall, I look up to see Hammond hover into my home and back into my life.

"Hello, Carol. It's been a long time."

He's animated by a sickly orange glow. He's been immobile for years, but the light gives him the power to move, speak, his frail little limbs awkwardly wiggling around like a self-operated marionette puppet. He points his ring hand at me, and forms an orange coil which wraps around my neck and hauls me back to my feet.

"We've got a lot of catching up to do."

No, not here. Not in my house. Not in the presence of my son... my hands came to touch the coil and I attempted to pull myself free, but it was no use. It was seecured around my neck, and with it I couldn't move on my own free will very much. My eyes narrowed a little and I sent a glare in my former employee's direction, but I couldn't help but stare at the orange ring--

... wait... that ring...

"... a-an Orange Lantern? You? H-how...?"

I will not be afraid. I cannot be...

"Oh, that's not important, we'll get to that later. Right now.... I want to talk about us."

Using his ring, Hammond formed the construct of an orange sofa, and with the use of more coils, forced me to sit on it. He hovered over, and sat himself down beside me. If I wasn't restrained, I would hurt him, yet I could do nothing but sit and listen to him reminisce.

"I hope you know, Carol, that I've missed you terribly. When you're imprisoned underground for years upon years, unable to move or speak, the only thing you have left is your thoughts. Your memories. And I have such happy memories of you, Carol. We had some good times, together, didn't we? There was something.... well, there was something.... special about the love we shared, wasn't there? Ha, sorry, I... I'm still getting used to talking again, and it feels weird saying this out loud after all the time I've spent rehearsing it in my head. I guess what I'm saying is.... we had a connection."

I saw his demeanor darkened and his smile faded. The ring transferred his thoughts into motion, including expression. Although they were artificially animated, every expressed I was forced to observe was grossly exaggerated, like something out of a cartoon. This wasn't good.

"I wonder what things would have been like, if Hal Jordan hadn't ruined everything. Don't get me wrong.... Hal is a wonderful person, he's done such.... amazing things. What a life he has. I can understand why someone would fall in love with him. But now I have a ring, Carol. Now I can see the stars, too. And unlike that selfish Green Lantern, I want to take you with me."

Hammond rested a spindly, spider-like hand on my leg and I shiver just a little. I didn't want anything to do with him anymore. Damnit...

"I think we should give our special relationship another try, my dear. I know.... I know I wasn't the perfect suitor, but I'm willing to learn, I'm willing to be better. So... so any..... hesitations, or problems you might have, any reason why you think things didn't work out last time, please.... share them with me, be brutally honest. It's important that lovers be honest with one another."

I tensed up and cringed. For a moment, I didn't say anything. The only thing I did was spit on the floor in front of me, a collection of saliva and bile staining the carpet. I noticed the way he looked disgusted by this gesture, and although I didn't want to say anything out loud, I did allow him to read my thoughts...

What you call "love" is only known as one thing to me... hate. I don't love you, Hector. I never have and I never will. You are nothing but an insane, horrifying, sick and twisted madman obsessed with a love that will never come true! I love my husband and my son with all my heart. I will never trade them for ANYTHING in the world, so give up... give up NOW!

Hammond almost seemed to vibrate with anger. He muttered to himself, repeating out loud the thoughts I've just expressed to him, tongue clicking furiously against the roof of his mouth. When he finally spoke, he seemed to be seething with repressed rage.

"I..... understand, what you're going through. I was always.... heh.... I was always an intense guy, I know that, and my love, the.... way that I loved you, was so strong, so pure..... it was just too much for you to process. You didn't know what it felt like to truly be loved by anyone, and so real love scared you. And now you've... settled for Jordan, even though he'll always love himself more than anyone. You're lying to yourself, you've told yourself you don't love me back because that frightens you. Disgusts you, even."

Hammond looked up at me with cold, calculating eyes. I knew he wasn't going to accept the truth. The fool...

"I could make you love me, you know. Make you.... see the true love I know is in your heart. All it would take is a thought, and I could erase all memories of Jordan from your mind, and replace them with.... adoration for me. That's all love is, isn't it? Overactive brain impulses. What's stopping me from doing that, hmmm?"

He just won't give up, will he... trapped like this, I was running out of options. There was only so much I could do and so little time. I had to escape his clutches before it was too late. I had to...

--and then I heard a clank in the kitchen and my son's cries. He must have dropped the apple sauce because he was still hungry. My heart started to race and my thoughts only focused on him and him alone.

"Martin..."

Don't you dare, Hector, don't you dare... you can do whatever you want to me, but don't hurt my son!

Hal... Hal... where are you...?

"Hal?"

With a speed and ferocity that took me by surprise, Hammond lunged forward and slapped me across the face. The stinging sensation...

"HAL!?"

The orange sofa disappeared, and the coils threw me through the wall. I think I felt a rib crack. It was getting a little harder to breathe.

"That's all it is with you, Halhalhalhalhal! Hal's so great! HAL! That's why I don't brainwash you into loving me, because it wouldn't be real, would it? Hal's so much better than me, he always has to go one better, doesn't he? Hal! Hal! Oh Hal! HAL! Well I'll tell you what. It's time I go one better on him, something he'll never top! Don't hurt your son, you say?"

Realization dawned on me, but I couldn't even articulate a response as terror filled my senses. Hammond hovered towards the kitchen.

"Martin! MAAAAAAAAAAARTIN! Say hello to Uncle Hector!"

NO! HECTOR, DON'T!

Hammond disappeared into the kitchen. As soon as Martin saw the hideous, glowing monster before him, he started screaming. A few seconds later, Hammond stormed back into the living room, holding my son in his horrible little stick arms. Oh god...

"Here he is, Carol! Here's your little boy! LOOK AT HIM! What should I do? I have visions of war, genocide, rape, incest and murder I can upload into that little brain of his, or maybe I could just pop his little head like a grape. What do you think? Whatever I do.... IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"

Oh god...

Hammond gave a cruel sneer.

"Why don't you look little Martin in the eye, and tell him you love him."

He couldn't. He wouldn't.

... and yet... he would... he hasn't just lost his mind; he's lost his heart as well. He belongs in an asylum for the rest of his life. No. He belongs in hell! But I... I can't do anything! Martin, how he watches me helplessly, crying for me...

... no...

... no, I... have to do something... I love my son more than life itself. I would die for him if it meant saving his life. He means the world to me and I cannot lose him. I will not lose him. I WILL NOT LOSE HIM!

"Martin... my son... I love you."

Before Hector could do anything, something flew into my home-- something violet, bright and powerful. For some reason, the light temporarily blinded Hector, but it didn't bring me or my son any harm. Rather, it warmed us... and then I saw exactly what it was.

A violet ring.

​

<CAROL FERRIS OF EARTH. YOU HAVE GREAT LOVE IN YOUR HEART. YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN.>

Oh no, not again. How many times was the Star Sapphire going to take over me in an attempt to control me? At first I didn't want anything to do with it. However, something was different. For the first time, this ring... it was waiting for me to answer. Why? I-I didn't understand...

<DO YOU ACCEPT LOVE?>

... Hector was starting to react from the temporary blindness. What choice did I have at this point? If I didn't accept the ring, he would kill me and my son. With a hold on love and faith, my eyes focused on the ring and I kept my heart open wide.

"Yes!"

The violet ring slipped onto my finger, and instantly I was encased in a dazzling violet crystal. Sitting the baby down on the floor, Hector cautiously approached it. Then, with a sudden burst, the crystal shattered, and I emerged from it, transformed...

​

Star Sapphire is reborn.
​

 

[trustyside-kick]

Then as Hawkman and Sinestro took to the skies, Marvel, Jay and I sped off towards our designated areas of the small town of Pahrump, myself looking the entire section over and over again in a matter of minutes.

Eventually I put on the brakes and came to a stop, pulling out my communicator as I did.

"Guys, this is Flash. Nothing in this area. Hope you guys are having better luck than I am. Anybody find anything yet?"

"Nothing so far."

Gliding through the sky, his mace gripped tightly in his hands and his crossbow resting gently on his back, Carter is armed and ready. There's one thing that any hero will learn when dealing with mad scientists: always expect the unexpected. These type of men are mad for a reason after all. They concoct the strangest of machines and weaponry out of the smallest of an idea from their bizarre minds.

"Did Ray mention if there was any indication that Sivana could be using a cloaking device? Or--"

As Carter speaks into his communicator, the ground starts to stir and quake as a large laser mounted gun sprouts from below. But with the altitude Hawkman is flying at, he cannot hear as the gun rises. Luckily, however, the Winged Wonder spots it just in time as he turns around, dodging the first laser blast.

"Guys! I've definitely found something!"

 

[Andy C.]

"FLAMEBIRD"
​

Holy crap.

Holy crap!

HOLY CRAP!

"Babs! Tell me you have a lock on Lois' location."

"10-4. But managing her ride is going to be a bit harder. I've got her around Pluto."

I stop in my tracks as I try to think of who in the hell can get her. That's when it comes to me.

"Babs, patch me through to Starfire."

"Excuse me?"

"Right now she's the only one I can think of to help Lois."

"Fine....stand by."

"Hello?"

"Kori."

"Hello, Dick I-"

"Not enough time right now. I need you to haul ass to Pluto. Superman's wife is dying in space right now."

"What?"

"Not enough time to explain, just help me. Oracle has her marked in Pluto's orbit."

"On my way."

She goes off the line as I sit down.

"I know you were monitoring the call."

"I tried to go offline, but-"

"Sure...just monitor Starfire and let me know how it goes."​

As the unbelievable cold of space froze her sweat right onto her skin, Lois could feel herself losing consciousness. She had maybe a few seconds before she would black out completely, and then it would all be over. She wasn't afraid, though; having lived through some of the most dangerous events in human history--not to mention having died once before--makes one a little numb to the idea of dying.

As her eyesight blurred, she saw a green light coming towards her.

Oh good, Lois thought, Dick sent a Lantern.

As the light grew closer, though, she saw it wasn't a Green Lantern at all. It was a orange-skinned girl with wild red hair, and an outfit that made Wonder Woman's costume look like a nun's. Still, there wasn't exactly time to be picky.

The orange-skinned girl reached out to her, and Lois took her hand...then it all went black...

...for a while.

Some time later--hours? Days, maybe?--Lois slowly returned to consciousness. As her senses returned, she discover that she was still floating--not in space, but in a tank of translucent blue liquid, hooked up to a breathing apparatus and a few other monitoring devices. She saw a man in a cowl and cape look up from his notes at her, then back to furiously scrawling more notes. Before she could see anything else, though, dizziness and numbness overtook her, and she passed out again.

Regaining consciousness after a seemingly even longer time, she awoke in a bed, high-tech monitoring devices all around her. The man in the cape and cowl--whom she now recognized as Doctor Mid-Nite from the Justice Society--came into the room, and looked at her vitals on one of the monitors.

"You're an extremely lucky woman, Mrs. Kent," he said. "You had frostbite all over your limbs when Starfire brought you in. Another few seconds out there, and we would have had to amputate."

Starfire. Lois recognized the name--one of the Teen Titans back in the day. The Daily Star used to write some rather trashy articles about her supposed romance with Nightwing. Lois would have to thank Dick for being such a ladies' man.

"I do apologize for all the painkillers I had to use--rebuilding that much damaged muscle tissue can be extremely painful, even with the Amazonian Healing Ray. You should thank Wonder Woman for allowing us to use that."

"Just make sure the painkillers aren't addictive," she mumbled. "Gets in the way of the job."

"I can imagine," he said humorlessly. "Anyway, you're in the infirmary of the Hall of Justice--Starfire had us teleport you here as soon as you were in range. When you're fit, you're free to go back to Metropolis, but we'd like you to describe the incident into the Justice League's archives before you go. If you don't mind my asking, what exactly were you doing at the edge of the solar system?"

Lois laughed weakly.

"I'm Lois Lane--I've shown up in weirder places than that."

Mid-Nite managed to grin, then continued to go about his business.

"Fair enough. Just make sure you tell Superman I did my part."

"Will do, as long as you get on the horn and tell Nightwing I'd like to see him when he's got a minute."

Doctor Mid-Nite shrugged as if to say why-not, then left the room, still writing down notes on his pad. Lois leaned back into her bed, and wondered if there was a TV somewhere in this place.

 

[MadRhapsody]

(OOC: Co-written with Keyser Soze. <3)

Hector Hammond. He's here.

Before I can close the door, it's blasted off its hinges by a blast of orange energy. The orange ring. Another blast knocks me off the feet, sending me flying across the hallway. As I land in a heap at the far wall, I look up to see Hammond hover into my home and back into my life.

"Hello, Carol. It's been a long time."

He's animated by a sickly orange glow. He's been immobile for years, but the light gives him the power to move, speak, his frail little limbs awkwardly wiggling around like a self-operated marionette puppet. He points his ring hand at me, and forms an orange coil which wraps around my neck and hauls me back to my feet.

"We've got a lot of catching up to do."

No, not here. Not in my house. Not in the presence of my son... my hands came to touch the coil and I attempted to pull myself free, but it was no use. It was seecured around my neck, and with it I couldn't move on my own free will very much. My eyes narrowed a little and I sent a glare in my former employee's direction, but I couldn't help but stare at the orange ring--

... wait... that ring...

"... a-an Orange Lantern? You? H-how...?"

I will not be afraid. I cannot be...

"Oh, that's not important, we'll get to that later. Right now.... I want to talk about us."

Using his ring, Hammond formed the construct of an orange sofa, and with the use of more coils, forced me to sit on it. He hovered over, and sat himself down beside me. If I wasn't restrained, I would hurt him, yet I could do nothing but sit and listen to him reminisce.

"I hope you know, Carol, that I've missed you terribly. When you're imprisoned underground for years upon years, unable to move or speak, the only thing you have left is your thoughts. Your memories. And I have such happy memories of you, Carol. We had some good times, together, didn't we? There was something.... well, there was something.... special about the love we shared, wasn't there? Ha, sorry, I... I'm still getting used to talking again, and it feels weird saying this out loud after all the time I've spent rehearsing it in my head. I guess what I'm saying is.... we had a connection."

I saw his demeanor darkened and his smile faded. The ring transferred his thoughts into motion, including expression. Although they were artificially animated, every expressed I was forced to observe was grossly exaggerated, like something out of a cartoon. This wasn't good.

"I wonder what things would have been like, if Hal Jordan hadn't ruined everything. Don't get me wrong.... Hal is a wonderful person, he's done such.... amazing things. What a life he has. I can understand why someone would fall in love with him. But now I have a ring, Carol. Now I can see the stars, too. And unlike that selfish Green Lantern, I want to take you with me."

Hammond rested a spindly, spider-like hand on my leg and I shiver just a little. I didn't want anything to do with him anymore. Damnit...

"I think we should give our special relationship another try, my dear. I know.... I know I wasn't the perfect suitor, but I'm willing to learn, I'm willing to be better. So... so any..... hesitations, or problems you might have, any reason why you think things didn't work out last time, please.... share them with me, be brutally honest. It's important that lovers be honest with one another."

I tensed up and cringed. For a moment, I didn't say anything. The only thing I did was spit on the floor in front of me, a collection of saliva and bile staining the carpet. I noticed the way he looked disgusted by this gesture, and although I didn't want to say anything out loud, I did allow him to read my thoughts...

What you call "love" is only known as one thing to me... hate. I don't love you, Hector. I never have and I never will. You are nothing but an insane, horrifying, sick and twisted madman obsessed with a love that will never come true! I love my husband and my son with all my heart. I will never trade them for ANYTHING in the world, so give up... give up NOW!

Hammond almost seemed to vibrate with anger. He muttered to himself, repeating out loud the thoughts I've just expressed to him, tongue clicking furiously against the roof of his mouth. When he finally spoke, he seemed to be seething with repressed rage.

"I..... understand, what you're going through. I was always.... heh.... I was always an intense guy, I know that, and my love, the.... way that I loved you, was so strong, so pure..... it was just too much for you to process. You didn't know what it felt like to truly be loved by anyone, and so real love scared you. And now you've... settled for Jordan, even though he'll always love himself more than anyone. You're lying to yourself, you've told yourself you don't love me back because that frightens you. Disgusts you, even."

Hammond looked up at me with cold, calculating eyes. I knew he wasn't going to accept the truth. The fool...

"I could make you love me, you know. Make you.... see the true love I know is in your heart. All it would take is a thought, and I could erase all memories of Jordan from your mind, and replace them with.... adoration for me. That's all love is, isn't it? Overactive brain impulses. What's stopping me from doing that, hmmm?"

He just won't give up, will he... trapped like this, I was running out of options. There was only so much I could do and so little time. I had to escape his clutches before it was too late. I had to...

--and then I heard a clank in the kitchen and my son's cries. He must have dropped the apple sauce because he was still hungry. My heart started to race and my thoughts only focused on him and him alone.

"Martin..."

Don't you dare, Hector, don't you dare... you can do whatever you want to me, but don't hurt my son!

Hal... Hal... where are you...?

"Hal?"

With a speed and ferocity that took me by surprise, Hammond lunged forward and slapped me across the face. The stinging sensation...

"HAL!?"

The orange sofa disappeared, and the coils threw me through the wall. I think I felt a rib crack. It was getting a little harder to breathe.

"That's all it is with you, Halhalhalhalhal! Hal's so great! HAL! That's why I don't brainwash you into loving me, because it wouldn't be real, would it? Hal's so much better than me, he always has to go one better, doesn't he? Hal! Hal! Oh Hal! HAL! Well I'll tell you what. It's time I go one better on him, something he'll never top! Don't hurt your son, you say?"

Realization dawned on me, but I couldn't even articulate a response as terror filled my senses. Hammond hovered towards the kitchen.

"Martin! MAAAAAAAAAAARTIN! Say hello to Uncle Hector!"

NO! HECTOR, DON'T!

Hammond disappeared into the kitchen. As soon as Martin saw the hideous, glowing monster before him, he started screaming. A few seconds later, Hammond stormed back into the living room, holding my son in his horrible little stick arms. Oh god...

"Here he is, Carol! Here's your little boy! LOOK AT HIM! What should I do? I have visions of war, genocide, rape, incest and murder I can upload into that little brain of his, or maybe I could just pop his little head like a grape. What do you think? Whatever I do.... IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"

Oh god...

Hammond gave a cruel sneer.

"Why don't you look little Martin in the eye, and tell him you love him."

He couldn't. He wouldn't.

... and yet... he would... he hasn't just lost his mind; he's lost his heart as well. He belongs in an asylum for the rest of his life. No. He belongs in hell! But I... I can't do anything! Martin, how he watches me helplessly, crying for me...

... no...

... no, I... have to do something... I love my son more than life itself. I would die for him if it meant saving his life. He means the world to me and I cannot lose him. I will not lose him. I WILL NOT LOSE HIM!

"Martin... my son... I love you."

Before Hector could do anything, something flew into my home-- something violet, bright and powerful. For some reason, the light temporarily blinded Hector, but it didn't bring me or my son any harm. Rather, it warmed us... and then I saw exactly what it was.

A violet ring.

​

<CAROL FERRIS OF EARTH. YOU HAVE GREAT LOVE IN YOUR HEART. YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN.>

Oh no, not again. How many times was the Star Sapphire going to take over me in an attempt to control me? At first I didn't want anything to do with it. However, something was different. For the first time, this ring... it was waiting for me to answer. Why? I-I didn't understand...

<DO YOU ACCEPT LOVE?>

... Hector was starting to react from the temporary blindness. What choice did I have at this point? If I didn't accept the ring, he would kill me and my son. With a hold on love and faith, my eyes focused on the ring and I kept my heart open wide.

"Yes!"

The violet ring slipped onto my finger, and instantly I was encased in a dazzling violet crystal. Sitting the baby down on the floor, Hector cautiously approached it. Then, with a sudden burst, the crystal shattered, and I emerged from it, transformed...

​

Star Sapphire is reborn.
​

It... wasn't controlling me. I was able to move on my own free will. There wasn't a sense of control. It was actually allowing me to do what I wanted this time. For the very first time, I was in charge...

"C... Carol... how beautiful..."

Hearing Hammond address me, I focused on the more important task at hand, my violet ring glowing as the power of love surrounded me. Combining it with anger and determination, I created a large hand that extended from the ring and grabbed him, throwing him through a wall and into the master bedroom.

"You're going to wish you didn't touch my son, you..." Sick bastard! I held back the urge to curse aloud. I didn't want Martin to hear that kind of language, not even from me. Turning to my little boy, I quickly noticed that he stopped crying and started to giggle again, holding his arms out towards me. I made my way over to him, took him in my arms, and with violet energy surrounding me, I flew out through the open and large kitchen window. My priority was bringing my son somewhere safe. Going along our neighbors' houses, I flew down into one of them through the back door-- the Johnsons' house, good people Hal and I grew to know in the city. After I used a small key Mrs. Johnson gave me to use for the back door whenever I needed to, I looked around to make sure no one was home or awake, then settled my son between two couches that left open a small but comfortable corner for two little kids to play in. He liked to play in this corner whenever we came over.

Kissing the top of his head, I smiled. "Mommy will be back in a few minutes, okay? I have to take care of your 'uncle'." Martin giggled and created another saliva bubble with his mouth and lips, then I went out through the back door, locked it and flew back towards my house. Although my identity was kept a secret as Star Sapphire, to be seen with Martin would give it away. That was why I was quick to drop him off here. I'm sure the Johnsons would understand. They had a little daughter. Making my way back inside my house through the kitchen window, however, I was struck by an orange blast and staggered against the sink. Hammond was back up.

"I'm still here, Carol!" He grinned and launched another blast towards me. This time I protected myself with a violet shield, holding it up and dashing towards him. He adjusted himself into a position, like he was trying to absorb the construct. But I wasn't a Green Lantern. I was a Star Sapphire. The shield slammed him and threw him against the fireplace in the living room, pieces of coal and rubble falling over him. While he was down, I created the violet hand and punched him with it over and over again. The pain I hoped he was feeling? It was the love I felt for my son.

Finally, I stopped the onslaught and stared at the smoke that started to gather, clouding between the two of us... but out of nowhere, this telekinetic PING shot through my mind and forced me away, gasping in pain and holding my head.

Damnit, his telekinetic powers...!

 

[Watchman]

Two squad cars had pulled up to the docks. They were called in after the station lost all contact with their inside man. The wire also played some disturbing audio. Someon...thing tore through the Russians and their man. They were going find out what. They went off in pairs. Two went off to check the place where the deal was suppose to go down. The others went to inspect the container that was in question.

The cops slowly opened the container. They shined their flashlights in to find one of the Russians huddled in the corner. He was sobbing and rambling but they couldn't understand it. He spoke in a thick Russian accent at a very quick pace. One of the cops took out a radio.

"Hey, we found one of them. Something freaked him real good," there was no answer, "anyone?" The man said something in Russian. He kept saying it over and over again.

"Huh? What are you trying to say?"

"....Bat..." He turned around his partner was gone. The man had left the container and over to where the others went. Bodies were piled high in a bonfire. Bodies were hung from various objects. Everyone was dead. He had to call this back into to the station right now. He ran back to the car as quickly as he could. He want to throw up.

"Gordon's boys..." Something said out of the darkness. Two shots were fired, not bullets, something else. It smashed into both cars, sending them up into the air in flames. The cop back up and smacked into something. He turned around with his gun drawn. The creature grabs the man's hand and then there was a snap sound. He put both hands around the cop's face.

"This is no longer Gordon's town. This is his town."

"What are you."

"I'm the Batman from Hell." The Batman whip the cop's head right around.
******
Jim Gordon was ontop of the rooftop of the GCPD. He hasn't been here for a very long time. It used to be nearly every night. He stands before the signal and wants to know who did it. He is livid. The signal is turned on a red Omega symbol spray painted over the bat.

"Jim?"

"Harvey..."

"We need you downstairs. Some creep claiming that he was a cop showed up then suddenly disappered." Gordon turned around, saying nothing, and headed for the door. A cop ran through before the two made it. He had a frantic look on his face.

"Commissoner?!"

"What is it?"

"A chruch on 37th Street went up in flames. The group known as the Religion of Crime is claiming responsibility. They fired on us. Two dead another wounded."

"Jesus..."

"They claimed that the Batma..."

"No! Don't say that name. That isn't him!." The cop nodded and looked at both of them before turning around and leaving."

"When did it all go to hell, Harvey?"

"I think whenever the pilgrims found this place." Gordon took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

"I had a nightmare a few weeks ago. Batman was alive but he working for the otherside. Using every single one of his resources against us."

"What are you saying?"

"I don't think we can win this one, Harv. I think we're going to lose. This isn't like normal times. This is some creep dressed like a cartoon character, this isn't some gang running drugs, this is bigger. And when the time comes we are going to lose."

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

Aquaman thrusts forth with Poseidon's trident, but Black Manta evades just in time for the sharp points of the tri-bladed weapon to miss his flesh. With Aquaman still in the forward motion, Manta blasts him with the lasers from his helmet, causing the former Sea-King to crash against one of the facility walls.

"I've just noticed how everything wonderful in this world is Black. Myself, the Black community...the Black Sea..."

Unleashing a blast from Poseidon's trident, Black Manta counter fires with both his helmet's lasers and the weapon in his hand. Quickly noticing that they are no match as the blast from Aquaman's weapon seems to be overpowering his own, the villainous arch-nemesis of Aquaman swims upward, letting the blast shoot past him.

"Ah, the Black Sea. It's the world's largest dead zone, you know. So much pollution and poisonous gas...the toxic waste from nearly 17 countries in that region killed that body of water so bad there's practically no oxygen left in that water. This uncanny phenomenon made me fall in love with hydrogen sulfide. And that's precisely what inspired me with this Final Act between us."

"You've been at this vendetta with me for years, Manta. This day is like any other which is precisely why it will end like any other: with you at my mercy."

"This day ends with you at my mercy, Arthur. Your wife and daughter are already at my mercy and you will soon see for yourself."

"Where are they?"

"Hahaha...not now. Don't worry, I will tell you soon enough. Now where was I? Oh yea, hypoxia is quite a remarkable thing...when the oxygen saturation in water drops below 30%, well...things get nasty. Most aquatic life experiences no less than 80% saturation. Want to know what percent your wife and daughter are experience right now, Aquaman? It's steadily dropping. You see the vents in this facility are consitently flowing in more and more of that precious gas that was so willingly given to me."

"Enough!!! Answer me, Manta! Or so help me, with Poseidon as my witness, I-I--"

Tackling Black Manta, and then swinging Poseidon's trident like a sword, tearing at part of Black Manta's suit the Marine Marvel yells at his foe.

"You will tell me where my family is, Manta!"

His chuckle echoes throughout the water like that of a sea demon after its demolished its prey and feasted upon it. He puts down his laser gun, no longer aiming it at his long-time foe. Underneath his helmet, Black Manta is smiling right now.

"Of course I am...and that's the point. You see, I see the flaw in the death of Arthur Jr., Arthur. And as you know...I had him in a water-deprived bubble. Which means, of course...you couldn't hear him scream. Couldn't hear the cries he made as he saw that you didn't have it in you. Didn't have what it took to save him. So I've learn from that flaw, Arthur. I've learned to..."

A with the push of a button on his suit, one of the walls in the facility opens up, revealing a small chamber.

"...step it up a notch."

"NOOOO!!"

His wife chained to the floor, floating in the toxicated water, and his baby hanging by a hook, draped in a blanket from the ceiling meet her mother at eye length, the former King of the Seven Seas is speechless. They float their, practically lifeless. Behind them are two of Manta's men, with weaponry aimed to take them out at a moment's notice.

Mera, barely able to breathe, utters to her husband in desperation.

"Orin, my love...d-don't let this monster win. Don't...let him d-d-destroy our family a-a--ag-again."

"WAAHH!! WAHH!! WAAAAHHHH!!"

Black Manta has him beat. The Aquatic Ace floats there speechless as his wife and child cry out to him, and more and more of Black Manta's cronies start to finally close in around him.

"You're going to have to choose which one lives and which one dies, Arthur. Let's put your love to the real test. So tell me...who do you love more? Pick one, and I'll let you depart safely. Heheheh...you have my word."

 

[wiegeabo]

"Nothing so far."

Gliding through the sky, his mace gripped tightly in his hands and his crossbow resting gently on his back, Carter is armed and ready. There's one thing that any hero will learn when dealing with mad scientists: always expect the unexpected. These type of men are mad for a reason after all. They concoct the strangest of machines and weaponry out of the smallest of an idea from their bizarre minds.

"Did Ray mention if there was any indication that Sivana could be using a cloaking device? Or--"

As Carter speaks into his communicator, the ground starts to stir and quake as a large laser mounted gun sprouts from below. But with the altitude Hawkman is flying at, he cannot hear as the gun rises. Luckily, however, the Winged Wonder spots it just in time as he turns around, dodging the first laser blast.

"Guys! I've definitely found something!"

I swoop in between the cannon and Hawkman, giving the laser a new target. And it wastes no time switching it's focus on to me. I dive and weave, but I can't seem to shake it.

"I'll hold it off!" I shout, creating a giant shield. I let the next blast hit me, using the shield to absorb the impact. But the cannon does the unexpected and keeps up the pulse, pushing me further and further back.

I focus my will, but the intensity of the blast feels like it is crushing me through the shield, pressing my barrier against me.

"GO! Hurry!!!"

 

[wiegeabo]

"Oh!Excusemesirandmadam!" I say rushing out of the room as fast as I can. I don't even see them look up at the blurry red breeze that whips through their door. For about the hundredth time I wonder if I can survive a power drill to the memory centers of the brain.

A run outside of this brothel and see three more on this street alone. I sigh. But, knowing Sivana's sick sense of humor, it's just the place he'd hide a secret base. This search has been ten of the longest seconds in my life.

I need a new strategy. "Ok. Think like a mad scientist Jay. You've fought dozens of them. They always leave a clue. What would Sivana's be?"

The ground tremors, and the sky flashes brightly. Looking up, I see one massive laser blast after another shoot into the sky.

"...That's one heck of a clue." I say numbly.

"Flash, Cap, I hope you're seeing what I'm seeing..." I start running.

 

[trustyside-kick]

I swoop in between the cannon and Hawkman, giving the laser a new target. And it wastes no time switching it's focus on to me. I dive and weave, but I can't seem to shake it.

"I'll hold it off!" I shout, creating a giant shield. I let the next blast hit me, using the shield to absorb the impact. But the cannon does the unexpected and keeps up the pulse, pushing me further and further back.

I focus my will, but the intensity of the blast feels like it is crushing me through the shield, pressing my barrier against me.

"GO! Hurry!!!"

Speeding through the air, Carter swoops down to the ground as Sinestro keeps the laser gun distracted. Raising his mace high above his head, and strikes it down on the backside of the ground-mounted gun.

"YAAH!!

Clobbing the gun, with the combined might of Hawkman's own savagery and the strength that his Nth metal harness grants him, the laser beam begins to weaken. With one final swing of his mace, Hawkman breaks off a sheet of metal on the mounted gun. Holstering his mace, Carter reached over his shoulder for his crossbow.

Gliding backward, as he lands the winged wonder takes aim with the weapon and fires. Instantly the wires are cut and the gun explodes.

"Sinestro. There's no doubt that the base is here, underground. Can't that ring of yours scan the ground for anything? Looks like we may have to make an entrance for ourselves."

 

[wiegeabo]

Sweet beads on my forehead as I push against the energy. Without warning, the pressure against my shield drops away and I shoot forward with the lack of resistance. It takes me a moment to stop myself from falling and realize what just happened.

I respond to Hawkman's words. "I thought I did scan it." I focus my ring again, and detect nothing below the buildings but ground.

Wait...that can't be right. I literally detect nothing but ground. There should be pipes, and conduits, and other signs of utilities beneath the streets. Yet I see nothing but ground. Except beneath the cannon.

"That bastard. He's cloaking his base just like he did the satellite!"

I follow the billowing smoke down to the ground, ignoring the screaming people running away from the remains of the massive weapon. I land next to Hawkman who's inspecting his handiwork.

"Nice job. Save any for Sivana?"

"I certainly hope so." Jay Garrick appears out of nowhere. "Flash and Cap will be along in a second. You know how slow they are."

 

[Eddie Brock]

SUPERBOY

Powerboy emerges from the rubble, weakened but still standing. Purple lightning sparks from his fists as he sneers. "You can't stop me," he promises. "You were never strong enough. That's why you couldn't resist your 'mind control.'" Despite it all, he manages that coy smile of his.

That's it.

With a cry of sheer anger, I launch myself through the air at Powerboy. We collide, but I don't lose any of my momentum. After making a hole in the side of the Tower, we fall through the air. I've got Piowerboy's arms wrapped up so he can't try to hit me. Unfortunately, that lightning of his is sourging through my body. I simply grit my teeth and ignore it.

We hit the ground with incredible force. Powerboy headbutts me, and I loosen my grip. He pushes my arms away before punching me in the chest. He packs more firepower than I realized. I soar through the air momentarily. My flight is stopped only by Donna Troy's statue in front of the Tower.

I barely have time to recover before Powerboy charges me again. I scurry, trying to stand, but he drives me into the ground further. I make a few attempts to get a good hit on him as he unleashes his fury. "You know why you can't beat me, Superboy?" he asks, his tone mixed between anger and twisted pride. "I'm from Apokolips! I possess power you'll never know!"

My eyes widen. Apokolips? As in Darkseid Apokolips? Oh, God. It all makes sense. I push with all my might and manage to get some room between myself and Powerboy. "Apokolips, huh? Well, I guess you haven't heard what Kryptonians do to Apokoliptans, then!" I blast Powerboy with a supercharged heat vision burst. As his body is flung away, I stand up and pray that my fellow Titans join me soon.

For as much confidence as I just showed to Powerboy, even I know that an Apokoliptan is harder to bring down.
​

 

[Catman_prb]

For as much confidence as I just showed to Powerboy, even I know that an Apokoliptan is harder to bring down.​

"Hey Powerboy," Tim asked, tapping the hulking Apokoliptan on the shoulder and grinning as he turned around.

"Do you even have a first name?" he asked brightly, leaping under the blow that was immediately thrown in his direction. He weaved under another fist and brought the palm of his his hand into the side of Powerboy's nose, which made a loud cracking sound and slid out of joint. A spurt of blood splattered onto his hand and the behemoth looked at it with a little bit of shock on his face.

"Did you just break his nose?" Zach asked in bewilderment. Tim nodded, moving into a defensive stance.

"Batman's protegee remember?"

"God, I love this fight," the teen magician grinned.

There was a -whumpf- sound as Powerboy's fist drove into the Boy Wonder's stomach. Tim slammed into the wall heavily and shook his head as he picked himself up.

"I hate that it's always me who gets hit," he muttered "Connor, is there any chance you can finish him off? Quickly, like?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

"Hey Powerboy," Tim asked, tapping the hulking Apokoliptan on the shoulder and grinning as he turned around.

"Do you even have a first name?" he asked brightly, leaping under the blow that was immediately thrown in his direction. He weaved under another fist and brought the palm of his his hand into the side of Powerboy's nose, which made a loud cracking sound and slid out of joint. A spurt of blood splattered onto his hand and the behemoth looked at it with a little bit of shock on his face.

"Did you just break his nose?" Zach asked in bewilderment. Tim nodded, moving into a defensive stance.

"Batman's protegee remember?"

"God, I love this fight," the teen magician grinned.

There was a -whumpf- sound as Powerboy's fist drove into the Boy Wonder's stomach. Tim slammed into the wall heavily and shook his head as he picked himself up.

"I hate that it's always me who gets hit," he muttered "Connor, is there any chance you can finish him off? Quickly, like?"

I shrug. "It's not like there's magenta Kryptonite for Apokoliptans or anything. Other than simply beating him into submission, I don't have any other ideas," I admit. It's not much of a plan, I realize.

"Maybe Rose will find something useful in her goody bag?" I offer hopefully.

 

[Catman_prb]

I shrug. "It's not like there's magenta Kryptonite for Apokoliptans or anything. Other than simply beating him into submission, I don't have any other ideas," I admit. It's not much of a plan, I realize.

"Maybe Rose will find something useful in her goody bag?" I offer hopefully.

Tim frowned "Because ex-mercenaries are usually so well equipped for dealing with...things like Powerboy,"

"I don't suppose you know some kind of...technique?"

 

[Eddie Brock]

Tim frowned "Because ex-mercenaries are usually so well equipped for dealing with...things like Powerboy,"

"I don't suppose you know some kind of...technique?"

I furrow my brow as I punch Powerboy in the nose. I know it must cause all sorts of pain, and I'll take any weakness I can get. "Sorry. Must have missed that lesson from Big Blue," I joke lightly. I hit Powerboy with a strong left uppercut. I swear I see a tooth fly out.

I turn to Megan. "Tag out?"

She smiles and slaps my hand. I back off as she goes to work. Multiple telekinetic shockwaves knock Powerboy back further still.

I slide back to where Tim is catching his breath. "He won't hold up much longer. One person - even from Apokolips - is no match for the Titans. You know that." I smile and try to exude confidence.

 

[Catman_prb]

I slide back to where Tim is catching his breath. "He won't hold up much longer. One person - even from Apokolips - is no match for the Titans. You know that." I smile and try to exude confidence.

"Connor I've known you for a long time," Tim said "And even I know that that look from you means that we should be slightly worried,"

He turned back to the fight, where it looked unfortunately like Megan was getting her ass handed to her.

"Still, it does me good to know that Zach could turn him into a squid or something," he said "Or that Megan could rip most of his head and leave him with the brain of a two year old,"

 

[Byrd Man]

​

"Will do, as long as you get on the horn and tell Nightwing I'd like to see him when he's got a minute."

Doctor Mid-Nite shrugged as if to say why-not, then left the room, still writing down notes on his pad. Lois leaned back into her bed, and wondered if there was a TV somewhere in this place.

"I thought Lois Lane was just Superman's girlfriend." I say with a smile as I enter the room, my arms crossed.

"I had no idea she was just as Super herself....but I guess that comes from the suit, right?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"Oh great and bountiful Guardians of the Universe, I beg of you to listen!" I mock at them before straightening my back, my face completely stern.

"So, Blackest Night. I'll let you start."

"Why thank you, Mister Torchbearer." I say with a smirk.

"Last time I was here, I heard you midgets gabbing about something called 'Blackest Night'. Me and the kid here found out what it is, and we want to know what you little smurfs are doing about it."

"Mind your tongue, Honor Lantern Gardner. You dance with insubortination."

"I know you think of me as a dumb earth-man that came from a monkey, but I gotta tell you something. What I saw today made me sick, sick to my stomach. I saw my fellow lanterns slaughtered, and you all knew it was coming?"

"The Blackest Night is a fairy tale, a story designed to put fear into the corps."

"From what I saw today, it sure as **** did that."

"This prophecy will not come to past, the new rule has made us possible to even the playing field against our enemies."

"You mean we're stooping down to their level? Before long, we'll be nothing but those goddamn red monsters that killed hundreds of us!"

"SILENCE! One more word, Lantern Gardner. And you will be expelled from the Corps and sent to Qward for the rest of your days."

 

[Watchman]

Black Hand had a new purpose in life. He was placed here on this Earth to spread the word of his lord. For the past few days he had been keeping low every since his family. Bums, runaways, vagrants, all felt his touch, listen to his gospel. He left them in death like comas, hollowed out for his master who was gaining more powerful with each passing moment. Though these low lifes were nothing. He needed something much more potent.

He was in some condemned building in New York City. He grasped a homeless man's face as his eyes went dead. A few others laid there emotionless faces staring up at the ceiling. Suddenly the roof cracked opened. A blinding light filled the room. Black Hand covered his face.

"By the Presence! I have followed a trail of bodies that you have left. People being hollowed and replaced with a great evil."

"I sense it inside of you," he face warped into one of terror, "it is on the horizon. It creeps into the cracks of reality spreading its bile. Do you have any idea what you are doing."

"There is no reason to understand. Thinking will be abolished in his reign. For he is." Zauriel had flew down at Black Hand smashing him into the wall.

"The Visions of John are coming to fruition. If you will not stop I will stop you." Black Hand hand snap back up and threw himself at the angel. Zauriel easily knocked him out of the air.

"This is futile. Give up." Black Hand staggered up and started to fall down. Zauriel caught him. "Its over." Black Hand shot up grabbing Zauriel's face.

"Your existence is futile. You will watch as your Silver City rots. There is only one true god and he is coming."

2%

6%

18%

"The ruination of the noble spirit," Zauriel had fallen, "I have plans for you angel."

 

[Keyser Soze]

It... wasn't controlling me. I was able to move on my own free will. There wasn't a sense of control. It was actually allowing me to do what I wanted this time. For the very first time, I was in charge...

"C... Carol... how beautiful..."

Hearing Hammond address me, I focused on the more important task at hand, my violet ring glowing as the power of love surrounded me. Combining it with anger and determination, I created a large hand that extended from the ring and grabbed him, throwing him through a wall and into the master bedroom.

"You're going to wish you didn't touch my son, you..." Sick bastard! I held back the urge to curse aloud. I didn't want Martin to hear that kind of language, not even from me. Turning to my little boy, I quickly noticed that he stopped crying and started to giggle again, holding his arms out towards me. I made my way over to him, took him in my arms, and with violet energy surrounding me, I flew out through the open and large kitchen window. My priority was bringing my son somewhere safe. Going along our neighbors' houses, I flew down into one of them through the back door-- the Johnsons' house, good people Hal and I grew to know in the city. After I used a small key Mrs. Johnson gave me to use for the back door whenever I needed to, I looked around to make sure no one was home or awake, then settled my son between two couches that left open a small but comfortable corner for two little kids to play in. He liked to play in this corner whenever we came over.

Kissing the top of his head, I smiled. "Mommy will be back in a few minutes, okay? I have to take care of your 'uncle'." Martin giggled and created another saliva bubble with his mouth and lips, then I went out through the back door, locked it and flew back towards my house. Although my identity was kept a secret as Star Sapphire, to be seen with Martin would give it away. That was why I was quick to drop him off here. I'm sure the Johnsons would understand. They had a little daughter. Making my way back inside my house through the kitchen window, however, I was struck by an orange blast and staggered against the sink. Hammond was back up.

"I'm still here, Carol!" He grinned and launched another blast towards me. This time I protected myself with a violet shield, holding it up and dashing towards him. He adjusted himself into a position, like he was trying to absorb the construct. But I wasn't a Green Lantern. I was a Star Sapphire. The shield slammed him and threw him against the fireplace in the living room, pieces of coal and rubble falling over him. While he was down, I created the violet hand and punched him with it over and over again. The pain I hoped he was feeling? It was the love I felt for my son.

Finally, I stopped the onslaught and stared at the smoke that started to gather, clouding between the two of us... but out of nowhere, this telekinetic PING shot through my mind and forced me away, gasping in pain and holding my head.

Damnit, his telekinetic powers...!

Carol, Martin.... I'm coming. Please...please God let them be okay. Please let me get there fast enough...

I managed to shake off Hammond's orange construct, and then I launched myself across the cosmos, as fast as my will could carry me. And now I'm here, at my own front door. Nightmarish visions flash through my mind of all the awful sights that could await me, but I can't give in to fear. I can't afford even a moment's hesitation. My family needs me.

And so I blast through the front wall of my apartment, and somehow.... I manage to be surprised by what I see. Carol is Star Sapphire again! That's... weird. But it's not important right now. What is important is the very unwelcome houseguest, who has just launched some kind of psychic attack on my wife. I use my ring to form a massive green exoskeleton around myself, offering physical and mental protection, and I send Hammond flying across the room with a swipe from my construct's massive, crane-like arms.

"Get away from her, you b**ch!"

 

[trustyside-kick]

​

Aquaman floats without moving a budge. No hot-headed attempt to overpower all of Manta's man, snatch Mera and Kym, and make an exit by bashing through one of the facility walls. No call of aid to the creatures of the deep, to ram through the facility, and grab Mera and Kym while he handles Manta and his men. And it's with good reason: it's too risky.

"You're a smart guy, Arthur. The longer you float there, hating me and cursing under your breath the longer your wife and child breathe in this toxic water-compound. There is no third option here. You simply...have to choose...the life of your wife...or the life of your child."

"That's a decision I simply cannot make."

"...Then they will both die, and you have the pleasure of watching...helpless. This past year, has been the absolute worst in my entire life. I say that with no exaggeration. After the failed assault on Atlantis, from what I've discovered you've done quite well for yourself, haven't you Arthur? Your marriage was restored and a little baby was on the way. You and your people started to rebuild what was left of the attacked city and you went on with your lives. The rest of us were not so fortunate."

Black Manta stops for a second as he sort of has to regain his barrings. Orin noticed something different about the villain but could not quite describe it. Before it sounded like he was having trouble breathing as he spoke over the intercom speaker earlier, but now the Marine Marvel sees it in plain sight.

"This wasn't just some scheme played over and over again to pillage and plunder the sunken city. A lot more was on the line this time: my life. You see the first few months were easy. I was able to keep out of plain sight, as best as one could in my situation. But like I said, as bad as one can...it took them a bit longer to find me than I expected. Soon The Marauder was on my tail. You remember him don't you? He told me he managed to slip away and fulfill his mission since you had your hands full."

"Yes, he told me that he was there to make up for your mistake. He said that the Ocean Going Research Exchange was behind it all."

"Oh, believe me...they've got their mind on much more than just oil. That was just the tip of the iceberg. As I said, soon The Marauder was on my tail...then Sea Wolf...until Demon Gate got me by surprise just when I thought I killed the undead mutt. They didn't want any information from me, they had all the information they needed. I didn't have something the Ocean Going Research Exchange wanted. It was simply...personal. Or at least, that's what I thought at first. What else could have been the reason behind my capture, with all the torture, beating, and mutilating of my body?"

Orin had known that O.G.R.E. had been recruiting mercenaries, but he hadn't known that Sea Wolf and Demon Gate were among their ranks. He hasn't seen much activity these past few months since he and Black Adam drove the organization out of the middle east. But if they are hiring more and more hired muscle, something big is most definitely being planned.

Black Manta signals one of his henchmen, and the scuba geared thug swims up to him. He starts to twist and unscrew the helmet that Black Manta wears.

"I used to wear this battle suit and helmet, for the sheer purpose of committing my wicked deeds and acts as Black Manta. But you see on one of those days Demon Gate got a little too rough with the torturing. Sure, from the outside it looked like I was fine minus all the bruises and cuts. And there's the slight issue with my face looking like I was mauled by a bear...But inside...that was where the true damage was done. The beating that day caused me to bleed internally, and if the doctors at the O.G.R.E. facility didn't act as fast as they luckily did, my lungs would've been fully compressed and--boom. So now--"

Slipping off his helmet, Manta reveals his mangled and deformed face. It will heal in time, but there will be permanent scars no doubt after that has happened. The villain's eyes are filled with such angst and hate for his foe. He quickly slips the helmet back on, and the henchman helps him screw the helmet back on tight. A vent is opened in the helmet, and the water is released from the inside of his helmet.

"...now I wear this helmet because I have to. Now, I wear this suit because I have to. Can't survive or breathe for myself for longer than a few seconds without the motherf****ing thing. And it's all because of you, Arthur...all because of you, fish-head. Do you have any idea what it's like to go through this bulls***?"

"Always blaming me for the tragedies of your life, Manta. Don't you see what O.G.R.E. is trying to do? They've put you into such a state of desperation that you will do ANYTHING so long as--"

"Precisely. I'm not stupid. I will do ANYTHING to make sure that you suffer. I don't give a rat's ass if they gain from all of this once you're out of the picture. See, never before was this vendetta of ours so personal for me. For you, sure. I mean, heh, I killed your 5 year old son. The future heir to your thrown. You thought that was cold? That was NOTHING. Now...now you've taken from me in ways you will only understand through more loss. By more severe means. They set me free finally, and supplied me with what I needed. Who would've thought their trial-run with this toxic compound would have such amazing results? I'm going to eradicate EVERYHING that swims in the ocean once I've got my hands on enough of this stuff. Then, there will be nothing but me and the ocean. Now I understand why that madman The Joker is the way he is...you want things done? You do WHATEVER it takes, even if it sacrifices your humanity, your humility, and your sanity."

"You want to see me suffer, is that it? You want...to have me beg like a dog? Then I will grant you your wish. But you let my wife and daughter go. They're not involved in this, and they never were. I'm the one that returned to Atlantis, and saved the day when you unleased your hellish siege on the city. I'm the one who's responsible for all of your recent suffering, and suffering in the past. I'm the that is to blame for everything. Everything and anything. Any hatred or blame you label on me I will gladly take it."

Aquaman places Poseidon's trident down, sticking it into the floor of the facility, and raises his hands up. Without hesitation, the Aquatic Ace pulls his helmet clean off, and stares desperately at his villainous arch-nemesis.

"...but you let my family go."

Orin only hopes that his plan works. There's no alternative. Even if he summoned a battalion of sea creatures to swarm the facility, they'd suffocate after mere moments of swimming in this filth. As he floats there now, with no protection as his body naturally absorbs the water around him, he struggles to retain focus. He drops his helmet, letting it float in the water, and pulls Poseidon's trident up and back into his hands.

 

[Saved]

As the sounds of intense battle sound in the distance, Rose scowers the room searching for a sufficient weapon. As the whole structure shakes, Rose routes through her collection - pushing aside pistols and daggers in her search for a proper weapon. "Come on, come on," she says, goading herself. As she brushes aside an empty sword sheath, she soon finds a small purple and black crossbow. With a wide smile she picks it up and brings it to her eye, staring at the weapon intently.

"Ah I remember this," she grins. "A 'present' from Huntress. Heh." Rose reaches to the sword sheath and rips off the leather strap from its form. She wraps the strip around her leg and makes a makeshift holster. Folding the bow on the weapon, she slips the crossbow into the holster and taps it - making sure it is secure. "Alright," she says, moving back to the ground on one knee and continuing her search. "That's got one poison tipped dart... I need something else."

As she returns to the scattered weapons, she looks diligently - looking furiously to find something worthy. After a few more minutes, Rose suddenly stops and leans back on her thighs. "Wait..." she says, a thought coming to her mind. "Wait...wait...wait."

Rose springs to her feet and suddenly rushes to the dresser by the door to the room. Reaching into the wooden piece of furniture, she grabs the handle to the fourth drawer and pulls it out with a quick jerk. She throws the drawer back, allowing it to hit the floor with a loud bang - the sound of wood cracking and splintering. Rose reaches her arm into the empty space of the armoire and fumbles blindly with her fingers. After a few seconds, her face suddenly lights up, her mind filling with excitement. She retracts her arm to reveal a small grey sphere clasped in her hand. "Promethium detonater," she says with a wide smile. "The collateral damage from this might be extensive but..." she pauses, thinking for a moment of the power behind the explosive. "...oh well." She says suddenly, rushing for the door. "Do whatever it takes."

As moves toward the doorway, she grabs a short-hand sword leaning in the corner. Clasping the hilt in her free hand, she bolts through the door and rushes down the hallway. "This is gonna take precision..." she mumbles as she drops the detonater into her pants pocket. Continuing her sprint, Rose tactfully grabs the crossbow from the holster and slips the elongated dagger through the skintight strap. For any normal person a maunever like that would be dangerous - putting the person at risk for injury. But Rose is trained, well versed in fighting and violence. There's no room for error in her line of work - she's always ready.

Nearing the kitchen, Rose's fingers work like sentient beings. They open the lath to the weapon and slip the stray arrow into place in front of the string. Pulling back the catch, she arms the weapon, readying it to fire. "Okay..." she begins, moving her arms into place and gripping it tightly as she lines up the sight. "Time to go."

The hallway comes to an abrupt end, filling out into the large open area of the kitchen. Smoke and flashes of light emit from the room as the battle rages, the sounds of growls and shrieks filling the air. A body suddenly flies through the air like a rag doll, hitting a chair and coming to a sudden halt. Rose leaps into the open expanse carefully, rolling into a ready position just in front of the body lying wounded on the ground. As Rose looks, she sees that is it Megan - her eyes red with anger but her body gray and purple with bruises. "Thanks for holding the line," Rose says in what seems like a whisper. "Now leave him to me."

Powerboy's feet hit the floor with a heavy quake as he lands. His eyes burn a deep black as blood trickles from his nose. He walks slowly toward Rose, heading for his original target, most likely to finish the job he began. He sees Rose positioned in front of Megan's limp body, the crossbow aimed directly for his head. "You?!" He grunts, his breathing heavy and forced. "Come back to die?" He asks with a slight smirk. Without warning or cause, he stops, coming to a halt only a few feet from where Rose kneels. "Go on," he scoffs. "Shoot me." Rose stays silent, her eye focused on only one goal.

"Come on, Wilson - do it!" He grunts, saliva spilling from his mouth like a fountain. "You think that'll hurt me, then do it. Come on, I dare you. Free shot! Shoot me with the arrow! See how effective it is!"

"Alright." Rose eye squints and her finger twinges, pulling back on the trigger in a sudden reflex. The arrow flies straight, moving with a swish of air and slamming the metal head into the thick skin of Powerboy's pecks. The arrow falls to the ground, the prongs at the tip only strong enough to break the skin of the mighty warrior.

As all eyes look down to the arrow, Powerboy tilts his head to stare at the wound. He sees the small scrape on his figure - the blood barely begining to pool on the surface of his skin. "Heh." He snickers. "I figured that was the best you had." Powerboy throws his fist above his head, tensing his arm and preparing to strike. His takes in a deep breath as his eyes close to blink. Lunging forward, his eyes reopen, and suddenly everything around him seems strange. The colors begin to bleed together, the light tinges mixing oddly with the dark. The sounds of everything around him shift to a hodgepodge of long and deep tones, their true origins now too distored to make out. He steps backward for a second and stumbles, his momentum now difficult to control. As Rose watches the spectacle, she smiles.

"Thanks for the open shot," Rose says proudly as she rises to her feet. "That arrow was dipped in the finest poisons known to man. See you in hell, you mutated freak."

"Rose..." Megan moans, pushing her body upward with her arms weakly as she tries to stand. "Rose he's...he's not not a m-meta-human." Rose turns to look over her shoulder.
"Well he's not kryptonian," she says in a cocky tone. "He bleeds."
"N-no, Rose..." Megan says in a wheeze. "He's from Apokolips."

Rose's eyes open wide as her skin goes numb in fear. She turns around quickly to face her oponent, reaching her hand into her pocket. Earthly poisons don't work on Apokolyptans, she thinks as her fingers grasp the detonater in her pocket. They only work, at best, as hallucinagens. Rose's fingers wrap around the metallic sphere and take hold tightly. And I've only got seconds before it wears off. As she begins to pull the detonater from her pocket her thumb moves across it and arms it, sounding a loud 'beep' that echoes across the room.

Her arm pulls back and her hand exits the deep recesses of the compartment. As she moves to throw the weapon, she sees Powerboy leap forward - crashing into her with tremendous force. "You little *****!" He growls, grabbing hold of her and flying hastily through the room. As he fails to stop, he crashes through the backwall, using Rose's body as a shield. Losing consciousness for a moment, her fingers go limp and the promethium detonater drops to the floor.

"Now you're gonna get it," Powerboy says as he grabs Rose by the throat. "Now I'm gonna rip you limb from LIMB!"