The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season VII

[Blacklight]

"Close enough", Hunter replied as he finally was able to stand up.
His body was beginning to mend from the beating he took, but it would still be another minute before he was fully healed. Until then, every movement was an experience in utter pain. But Zoom battled through it.

"It was Savitar", Hunter stated as he looked to Wally.

"Savitar? I was expecting Trickster or Captain Cold, but Savitar? Talk about 'way outta left field' when it comes to villains..."

I looked at the worry in Hunter's eyes, and then I realised how serious the situation just became. Savitar is one of my more powerful enemies, and if Hunter's having a hard time with him, I can only imagine how hard he's going to be to beat this time around.

"Any ideas on what brings him back to Keystone?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"I got him this far, maybe one of you can come up with a way to find him before he gets the first boat back to Talia-town. After all those years, surely he talked you something about tracking people down, right? You caught me often enough..."

"If we're going to do it, every minute we waste here means he gets farther away. Robin and I can track him, we just might need some help from Oracle."

I tap the earpiece on my right side.

"Oracle, this is Nightwing. Do you copy?........Oracle, do you copy?"

I furrow my brow and shake my head.

"Okay, we'll go it alone this time. We have a lot of ground to cover, so would it work if we split up into pairs and search?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

"They are going to what?"

"You heard me the first time, Hagen. Atlantean Law has been amended, and you will be the first of several to receive punishment for your crimes against the Atlantean Crown. We will return to your cell to let you know when the day scheduled for your execution is decided."

The Atlantean guard leaves the cellblock without another word, leaving the sorceror Hagen before he can ask any further questions about his execution. And after the guard leaves the chamber, all that is heard throughout the room is Triton's devious laugh.

"Hahahahaha. So it would seem that the little minnow has grown a spine while wearing the Crown."

"Triton, if I have to listen to another one of your speeches about your greatness I think I will execute myself within my own cell. Shut up about your supposed glory and let me live my last days in peace."

The Godling of the Sea does not grant Hagen his wish, continuing to laugh and talk about his famed attack on the city which brought upon change after change. He feels as though his plan was perfect up until Aquaman spoiled everything and got the best of him.

"You only gave the Atlantean Society to the magical Aristocrat...I made the city tremble with my powerful and overwhelming onslaught!"

"You fed scrap to a pack of wild dogs and let them loose on the city. I'd hardly call that anything to be proud of. Any poor fool could've done that."

Smashing against his cell, which is magically embued to keep his godlike strength and powers from breaking the bars, the godling Triton tries to reach through the cell bars hoping to strangle Hagen.

"I brought Atlantis nearly to the ground!"

"Keyword here being nearly, oh great and powerful God of the Sea. Your little 'minions' fought each other faster than they battled the Atlanteans you buffoon. Had you perhaps coordinated them to work together, you would have ended up with what you had wanted."

"RAAA!!!"

The Godling smashes against the bars of his cell, as though he didn't know that he could not break them; not for all of his strength. Amused by the godling's tantrum, something happens that had not happened before. Many a time he has heard the barking from Triton's mouth about his devious plan that nearly brought the destruction upon Atlantis. But this time a smile creeps over Hagen's face as Triton's tantrum finally subsides.

"Tired yet? Because I just thought of something that even your tiny little mind can comprehend."

"Like it will do you any good. You're scheduled for execution."

"Precisely...and my execution will in return bring Atlantis her doom."

"I'm listening..."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

​

"Savitar? I was expecting Trickster or Captain Cold, but Savitar? Talk about 'way outta left field' when it comes to villains..."

I looked at the worry in Hunter's eyes, and then I realised how serious the situation just became. Savitar is one of my more powerful enemies, and if Hunter's having a hard time with him, I can only imagine how hard he's going to be to beat this time around.

"Any ideas on what brings him back to Keystone?"

"No idea", Hunter stretched his body, cracking his neck and wincing a bit at his still injured ribs.

"We need to talk", Zoom said to the Flash.
"Someplace a bit more private."

Wally agreed and the pair ran off, coming to a stop in the middle of a nice, secluded area of Keystone Park. After a quick search to make sure they were alone, Hunter walks up to the Flash, a grave look in his eyes.

"Wally", Hunter worriedly states, "he knows. He knows who you are."

 

[Keyser Soze]

"If we're going to do it, every minute we waste here means he gets farther away. Robin and I can track him, we just might need some help from Oracle."

I tap the earpiece on my right side.

"Oracle, this is Nightwing. Do you copy?........Oracle, do you copy?"

I furrow my brow and shake my head.

"Okay, we'll go it alone this time. We have a lot of ground to cover, so would it work if we split up into pairs and search?"

"Well I call dibs on you, Nightwing. I do like to admire a pair of firm buttocks in spandex, but I don't think Robin here's legal."

 

[Keyser Soze]

Generating a construct of a pick-axe, I cleave away at the orange tentacles to release myself and Carol. No sooner have my feet hit the ground than a giant orange hammer slams me into the wall. It shifts into a hand, squeezing and crushing me.

[BLACKOUT]"You always had to get in the way, didn't you Jordan? You took my place at Ferris Air, you took Carol away from me. I was a respected scientist until you and your ring and your alien ships crashed into my life, and turned me into a monster. You took everything from me! Now I'm going to take it all from you!"[/BLACKOUT]

And then they come at me, a flood of horrific images pushing their way into my brain. My son, my little boy, Martin, being killed in countless ways, each more brutal and sickening than the last. He cries for me, his eyes filled with hurt and betrayal before going dead and glassy as I fail to save him, over and over.

"N-no...."

I fall to my knees, clutching my head. No, it's not real! But it will be if you give up! Fight it! Stop him!

[BLACKOUT]"No what?"[/BLACKOUT] Hammond leers, leaning in close.

"You're not going to take anything!"

I form a small but precise construct - a pair of scissors. I use them to cut off the middle finger on Hammond's left hand. His ring finger.

[BLACKOUT]"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH![/BLACKOUT]

With his connection to the orange ring severed, Hammond falls to the ground, motionless. Before the ring can escape, I form a green bubble around it, keeping it in place.

"Playtime's over, Hammond."

I turn to Carol, only now allowing myself to register the full surprise at seeing her dressed as Star Sapphire once more.

"I have to take this orange ring back to where it came from, but first off I'm stopping at Oa. I think Hector here would be more securely confined in the sciencells. I don't think you should come with me, though. The Guardians see a Star Sapphire, they might want to lock you up next to him."

I pause for a moment before asking what I already suspect to be true.

"It is Carol I'm talking to, and not Star Sapphire, right? Are you in the driver's seat this time?"

 

[wiegeabo]

I land at the Hall of Justice with Samantha in tow. "Sinestro!" Booster calls out to me. "It's good to see-"

I shove my way past Gold. "How is-"

"Sinestro?" Her voice stops me in my tracks.

"I was trying to tell you..."

"Mommy!" Samantha sequels with happiness and rushes her mother, wrapping her arms tightly around Mary's legs. And Mary kneels down to hug her daughter tightly.

I'm afraid to move for fear of somehow negating what's happening. "Are you...are you alright."

She looks up at me and smiles, and it's one of the best things I've ever seen. "The Atom seems to think so. Everyone still has the virus, but without the signal, he says he'll have the time to come up with a real cure."

I don't even hear her words. Not really. Just the fact that she's talking to me, that she's herself again. That I no longer have to worry about her. The relief is nearly overwhelming.

"Sinestro? Are you ok?"

I step up to her and take her hands in mind. "I am. For the first time in so long, I am." I rest my hand on your cheek. "I thought I was going to lose you."

She covers my hand with hers. "You didn't. You saved me, again. I love you."

I smile. "That's the first time you told me that," I say, remembering when this moment was reversed. She smiles as well, remembering the first time I said those words to her.

"I love you too."

***

"Mid-Nite?!"

"Jay, you're back?"

"Finally. We stopped Sivana."

Mid-Nite sighs with relief. "That's good to hear. I've been monitoring the news while working with Atom on a real cure. Seems like the world's slowly started to return to normal once the Sivana's signal was shut down."

"You having to monitor the news begs the question I came down here to ask. Where's Terrific?"

"I honestly don't know, Jay. He was having issues scanning some data. One of his T-Spheres even exploded. And he said he was going to check on it...but I haven't seen or heard from him since."

"That's beyond unusual for Micheal." I think for a moment. "You keep working with Atom on the virus. The last thing we need is for Mr. Mind, or Grodd, or anyone else to find a way to exploit it again. I'll get the kids back home and then try to track Micheal down."

"Sounds-" I'm back upstairs, "-good?"

"Iris, Jai?"

"Ya, Grandpa?" Jai says.

"Come on, let's go home."

 

[Catman_prb]

"Well I call dibs on you, Nightwing. I do like to admire a pair of firm buttocks in spandex, but I don't think Robin here's legal."

"Oh this is just going to go horribly," Tim said, resting his head on his hand. Alfred had a look of wry amusement on his face.

"Quite," he said, moustache twitching.

Some time later...

"Oracle, this is Robin," Tim said into his earpiece, eyes scanning the crowd of violent rioters "We're at the docks now, but I don't see him,"

"Who's we?" Babs asked.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," he muttered, casting Alfred a suspicious eye. The butler was looking through binoculars at the men in the crowd, obviously searching for Bruce.

"Whatever, you know I can just check the satellite f-Oh my God!"

"Not really the time," Tim grunted.

"Yeah...right, head due East, you may be able to catch him where ever the hell he's going,"

 

[Blacklight]

Wally agreed and the pair ran off, coming to a stop in the middle of a nice, secluded area of Keystone Park. After a quick search to make sure they were alone, Hunter walks up to the Flash, a grave look in his eyes.

"Wally", Hunter worriedly states, "he knows. He knows who you are."

I take a moment to let this horrendous news sink in. Even though he's not one of my more "regular" enemies, Savitar is one of my most powerful and lethal ones. He knows techniques with the Speed Force that took me years to figure out. I barely beat him last time by trapping him in the Speed Force, and now that he's returned and knows my identity, that makes him much more of a threat... To me, and moreso, my family.

"This is bad, Hunter. He knows who I am now... He could hurt Linda! Or Iris! Jai! My whole family! We can't waste any time. We need to find him and fast... before he..."

I couldn't even finish the sentence, fearing the worst for everyone I care about...

 

[Byrd Man]

My breath quickens as I run down the dark alley. I can feel the stitch in my side burning as I keep running.​

I don't exactly know what's back there, but I do know I don't like it.​

This is my first time in Gotham, but these brick walls I'm running between seem oddly familiar, like I've been here before.​

Then​

From above the roof, I watch in silence as the men walk out the factory backdoor and into the truck with arms full of stolen merchandise.​

I have no idea how I know they're stolen, or exactly why I'm here. I just know they're bad men and they need to be punished.​

Throwing the oddly shaped shuirken from my hands, I leap from the rooftop and land in the middle of the small group of men. The shuriken strikes one of the men in the head and he collapses to the ground.​

"Oh ****," one of them cries as they drop all the stolen goods in their hands.​

I let a growl out as I throw my foot up and strike one dead in the face. He clambers back and crashes into two of his friends.​

Not counting the one I disabled with the throwing weapon, I have five left.​

The sound of a blunt object flying through the air fills my ears just as I duck and avoid the lead pipe. Reaching up, I grab the attacker by the wrist and twist it until I hear the dry pop that confrims the bone is broke. He cries out and falls to his knees as I drive my fist into his face.​

Four left.​

Two try to double team me, I move quickly and closeline one hard while I take my free arm and grab him by the throat, I drive him into the pavement with a loud thud.​

Two left.​

The sound of heavy footsteps on pavement tells me one is coming from behind, I spin fast and roundhouse kick him into unconsciousness.​

One left.​

He leans against the truck, a look of fear in his eyes as I grab him by the collar.​

"What are you?!"​

I narrow my eyes as I hold him up.​

"I'm Batman," I say as I headbutt him into submission.​

Now​

I fall to the ground and convulse as the memories come flooding back. Mother and Father's bodies staring up lifelessly from the pavement, Alfred's dry wit, Dick somersaulting in his Robin costume, Jason's body laying limp in my arms, the sound of Bane breaking my back, and Joker's horrible laugh. Good and bad, the memories all come back.​

I slowly pick myself up from the pavement, looking around at the dark alley.​

Gotham City. My city and I'm back.​

I am no longer The Demon's Head. I'm Bruce Wayne.​

Now it's time to go back to work.​

 

[wiegeabo]

"WEEEEEEEEE!!!..."

"YEAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!..."

I grin as the kids scream with glee. I hold Iris in my arms and Jai piggybacks on me while I run. Not at full speed, of course. Wally would kill me if I did that. And I'd never put the twins in danger anyway. I need to find Mr. Terrific, but their welfare comes first.

Besides, it's hard for them to enjoy the sights if I make the trip from Gotham to Central in under a minute. We pass by a sign that thanks us for visiting Indiana, and another that welcomes us to Illinois.

"Ok kids, what's Illinois famous for."

"Sears Tower!"

"The Cubs!"

"Those are easy. Try a little harder."

"...um, the Great Chicago Fire."

"Good."

"The Nostalgia Critic!"

"Who?" I notice Iris give Jai a glare which can only mean trouble.

"Uh...nothing?" Jai says sheepishly.

"Right..." Mental note, talk with Wally.

We pass a thanks for visiting Illinois sign and come to a welcome to Missouri sign. "Ok kids, almost home. What's Missouri famous for?"

"DAD!!!" They both shout.

I clear my throat.

"And you too grandpa." Iris gives me a hug.

I smile happily. "Well, I'm glad I made the list."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"Have the simulations been what we had hoped for? This isn't exactly something where we get more than once chance to happen. If for some reason my plot is foiled I want to make sure that the World suffers dearly for it."

"Better than we could have ever imagined, Mr. Coolidge. By the looks of it the--kkk"

The Eel uses his telekinesis to clamp the oxygen tube connected from the oxygen tank to the scientist's scuba mask as he approaches him swiftly in anger.

"It's Eel! THE EEL! Mort Coolidge is no more. Make that mistake again, and perhaps I will toss you in with all the Americans, South Americans, Europeans...and everyone else that are bound by the fate that I have bestowed upon them: utter destruction and death in a way like no other..."

Releasing the telekinetic hold on tube, the scientist is able to breathe once again.

"Now...prep the simulation once more. Everytime I watch the Eastern and Western Hempishere fall before the crushing depth of the Ocean I almost want to cry at the happiness it brings me. I can only imagine that when we show the World Leaders it, they too will find themselves consumed by their tears."


Augusta, Maine

For the past few days Orin has spent his time researching, finding out all about the life of Gregory Lewis. He was one of the co-founders of the Sea-Tech Engineering Firm. Just a month ago, Gregory Lewis practically fell off the Grid. Coincidence? Aquaman sure as heck thinks so. So a month ago a Civil Engineer with a speciality in the discipline of Coastal Engineering goes missing, and just a few days ago his corpse floats on a raft stranded in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Carved into his back are but a few words reading : The Calm Before The Storm.

After several analysis it is clear that given the circumstances something very big is about to strike. But not to Atlantis as he had originally thought. A storm would occur above the surface of the water. There is also the obvious fact that Mr. Lewis traveled in a raft and not a speedboat. Were he had been coming to warn Aquaman of what is to come, surely he would've had to have had a speedboat to travel from the nearest land. So whereever Gregory Lewis was coming from, it was close to Atlantean waters; this much was for certain.

But the Marine Marvel had searched the waters surrounding Atlantis, and found nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nor have any of the fish indicated anything disturbing. So he sits here, staring at the corpse of Gregory Lewis.

"This makes no sense. If his death were orchestrated as it may have very well been...surely there would be some sort of threat by now--"

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

That is when the answers to Orin's confusion come together. The doctor knocking on the door does not wait for Orin to respond at all, and simply opens the door after giving his warning knock. He walks past Aquaman and towards the television.

"You have to see this. This was just broadcasted minutes ago, and it's been on loop ever since."

Turning the television on. Immediately The Eel's image is visible on the screen, and the doctor even changes the station several times and on each station is the image of the Eel talking to the world.

"--thus the World still dies. So I think I have made my self clear. If I do not get what I want, no matter how that occurs...the World dies. The Eel has spoken. And what The Eel says...goes."

The video feed replays once more, allowing for the Aquatic Ace to see the full threat from the villainous Eel.

"People of the Earth, you all lead pointless and sickly lives. And when the omnipotent and ever present God last was disgusted with you, he brought The Great Flood in to sweep the Earth clean and try again. Well I, The Eel, am now judging you, and whether you believe the great biblical story or not, believe me that in my version there is no Noah's Ark. No human, nor shall any plant or animal be spared from my wrath if I do not get what I want. This machine here takes my brain capacity and increases it 100 fold. I can so easily unleash The Great Flood as I can as easily stop it. And my will is the only thing guiding the Flood and gauging its speed. So DO NOT dare decide to fool with me. You all complain about the U.N. never doing anything? Well here is there opportunity to redeem themselves; they have the opportunity to save the world. And that opportunity...starts...now."

On the television screen, The Eel activates his machine. It is as massive in size as it is powerful. Electricity sparks shoot everywhere as The Eel taps into the power of the machine. For a brief moment, The World watches on as the villain experiences a slight amount of agony as he activates the machine. But in the background of it all, his laugh is audible.

"Hahaha. And so it is done. Do not believe me? Look at all of your precious satellites or just take a nice glance at your nearby sea-side window. In but moments depending on where you are in the world, you shall see the glorious great waves...like a beautiful monsoon storm."

The Eel is silent for a moment, taking in what he feels from all of this as his machine continues to whine and roar: the power. The Eel thrives on power, and it is what he most desires. The ransom is merely for his colleagues, for there was no other way he could get them to cooperate: promise them riches. In all honesty the villain could care less if the ransom is paid or not. For in the end...all will know the Glory of The Eel.

"...As we speak, a bank account # has been sent to your beloved World Leaders. The amount of money that is the be deposited into that account is to be no less than 20 billion dollars. Should the United Nations not have the money wired in time, the World dies. Should anyone attempt to break my telekinetic connection to this machine, by trying to find me and thwart my plans, my failsafe of stopping the waves before the crush the countries in their path is no more, thus the World still dies. So I think I have made my self clear. If I do not get what I want, no matter how that occurs...the World dies. The Eel has spoken. And what The Eel says...goes."

Just as the feed is about to loop, Orin walks up to the television, and turns it off. His fists clench tightly, and he looks over at the corpse of Gregory Lewis.

"That's what Gregory was trying to warn me about. He must've been hired under the employment of The Eel because The Eel had to know just how much water it would take to make it past the Sea Walls. Sea Walls that Lewis himself personally worked on and would know like the back of his hand. My guess is that when he saw the type of destruction such an attack would actually have on the world...I'm guessing he fled the project and was killed before he reached Atlantis. DAMN IT!"

In his fury, Orin punches the TV, smashing the screen clean. Panting for a while as he tries to calm down, he turns to the doctor. The doctor doesn't seem to have much worry on his face now that Aquaman is aware of The Eel's threat. He knows why. He knows what he can do to help.

"The Eel will not succeed. Not if the JLA can help it."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

I take a moment to let this horrendous news sink in. Even though he's not one of my more "regular" enemies, Savitar is one of my most powerful and lethal ones. He knows techniques with the Speed Force that took me years to figure out. I barely beat him last time by trapping him in the Speed Force, and now that he's returned and knows my identity, that makes him much more of a threat... To me, and moreso, my family.

"This is bad, Hunter. He knows who I am now... He could hurt Linda! Or Iris! Jai! My whole family! We can't waste any time. We need to find him and fast... before he..."

I couldn't even finish the sentence, fearing the worst for everyone I care about...

"Don't worry, Wally", Hunter says as he cracks his back.
"We'll figure out a way to bring him down."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"WEEEEEEEEE!!!..."

"YEAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!..."

I grin as the kids scream with glee. I hold Iris in my arms and Jai piggybacks on me while I run. Not at full speed, of course. Wally would kill me if I did that. And I'd never put the twins in danger anyway. I need to find Mr. Terrific, but their welfare comes first.

Besides, it's hard for them to enjoy the sights if I make the trip from Gotham to Central in under a minute. We pass by a sign that thanks us for visiting Indiana, and another that welcomes us to Illinois.

"Ok kids, what's Illinois famous for."

"Sears Tower!"

"The Cubs!"

"Those are easy. Try a little harder."

"...um, the Great Chicago Fire."

"Good."

"The Nostalgia Critic!"

"Who?" I notice Iris give Jai a glare which can only mean trouble.

"Uh...nothing?" Jai says sheepishly.

"Right..." Mental note, talk with Wally.

We pass a thanks for visiting Illinois sign and come to a welcome to Missouri sign. "Ok kids, almost home. What's Missouri famous for?"

"DAD!!!" They both shout.

I clear my throat.

"And you too grandpa." Iris gives me a hug.

I smile happily. "Well, I'm glad I made the list."

A fist shoots in out of nowhere, slamming into Jay's jaw. The hero drops the children, who fall hard to the ground, as he bounces across the highway and slams into MPH sign, snapping it at the base.

The original Flash fights off the pain and looks to see if the kids are hurt when he sees what hit him.

"Hello, Mr. Garrick", Savitar smiles, wickedly.
"I do believe we've never been properly introduced. I think it's high time we change that. Don't you?"

 

[Keyser Soze]

I turn to Carol, only now allowing myself to register the full surprise at seeing her dressed as Star Sapphire once more.

"I have to take this orange ring back to where it came from, but first off I'm stopping at Oa. I think Hector here would be more securely confined in the sciencells. I don't think you should come with me, though. The Guardians see a Star Sapphire, they might want to lock you up next to him."

I pause for a moment before asking what I already suspect to be true.

"It is Carol I'm talking to, and not Star Sapphire, right? Are you in the driver's seat this time?"

"It's me, Hal. I'm in control now, I accepted the ring by choice to save our son."

"Well, now he's saved. So you can take that ring off and end this Star Sapphire nonsense."

Carol made no reply. Instead, she stares defiantly at me, and shakes her head.

"Well that's just great. We'll talk about this later. But I'll say this.... you ditch the ring, or no sex for you, I swear!"

With that devastating threat made, I open a wormhole with a ring that takes me to Oa, along with Hammond and the ring.

I check Hammond into one of our cozy sciencells, and am ready to leave for my next stop - the planet Okaara - when I find myself teleported into the citadel of the Guardians.

"We will take that ring, Lantern Jordan."

And just like that, like stealing candy from a baby, the orange ring is removed from my possession, hovering towards The Guardians.

"I'm supposed to return that ring to Okaara!" I protest, "It was stolen from Larfleeze, who from what I hear you're all quite familiar with..."

"Silence!"

"You speak without thinking, Lantern Jordan."

"Larfleeze is a dangerous menace, a threat to the universe."

"With this ring, we hope to find a way to siphon his power from him, and finally unseat him from his corrupt throne in the Vegas System."

Politics, double-dealing, backstabbing. And these are supposed to be the good guys.

"Fine. Not my problem anymore. You made this mess, you deal with it."

Disgusted, I take my leave of the Guardians, and head back to Earth.

 

[Karem-Knight]

"Well I call dibs on you, Nightwing. I do like to admire a pair of firm buttocks in spandex, but I don't think Robin here's legal."

OOC: Sorry for the bunny Keyser.

"Right then, let's get on with this!"

***

This is just beyond weird. First Alfred comes back from the dead and now I'm teaming up with Joker to find Bruce and bring him back. I always get the feeling that I'm about to wake up from a very long dream. But I know that isn't the case.

Getting out the binoculars; I start to analyse the area. Seeing the street corners at night time; there's a lot to go down and I have to make sure the creep behind me doesn't try and do something.

"Found him yet!?" The Joker says behind me, like a child who's waiting for Christmas Day to unwrap all his presents.

"I don't have time for this Joker. As soon as this is over, you're going back to Arkham where you belong!"

"Good good. I've been waiting to go back to my home sweet home!"

He grins, I honestly can't think of a reason not to just knock him out and bring him alone. But he seems to know something me and Tim don't, and I'm not sure Bruce will be in the right state of mind just yet.

As I keep checking throughout the area; I all of a sudden catch a glimpse of a man just standing still in a solo man state- I close in on him and the words catch me within moments.

"There!"

I grapple below and grab Joker by the chest and swing to the streets, I lay him on the ground and stare him straight in the eyes.

"Follow me. Now!"

I make a quick run for it checking to see that The Joker is also running right behind me as I catch up with the man. I need to get his attention quickly.

"Bruce! BRUCE!" I keep yelling as he turns his head round, running towards him with his worst enemy behind me. I stop dead in my tracks and speak to him putting both my hands in his shoulder and he seems to be giving me an all too familiar stern, focused look.

"Bruce...are you all right!?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"There!"

I grapple below and grab Joker by the chest and swing to the streets, I lay him on the ground and stare him straight in the eyes.

"Follow me. Now!"

I make a quick run for it checking to see that The Joker is also running right behind me as I catch up with the man. I need to get his attention quickly.

"Bruce! BRUCE!" I keep yelling as he turns his head round, running towards him with his worst enemy behind me. I stop dead in my tracks and speak to him putting both my hands in his shoulder and he seems to be giving me an all too familiar stern, focused look.

"Bruce...are you all right!?"

"Dick," I say as I look him over. He looks beaten and battered, but his eyes still carry that sense of hope that's been there since I first met him at the circus all those years ago. As much as he won't admit it, he's been in denial about my death since it happened. My eyes drift towards Joker and the grin on his face. In many ways, I owe him my freedom. That doesn't make it right for all that he's done, but his time will come later.

"Where are Tim and Alfred? See if you can get in touch with them. We need to regroup, I need to regroup."

If there's a time for hugs and smiles, that will come later. Right now, we need to get the city under control.

"I'm also going to need a suit, and find out what exactly has been going on in Gotham since my death."

 

[Catman_prb]

"So you've gotten over your amnesia after coming back from the dead?" Tim said as he dropped down next to Batman, Alfred running down the street a few seconds later.

"Every time I think about the last few days, the more I'm convinced that my life is actually a soap opera," he sighed.

"It would certainly seem like it," Alfred said, watching Bruce carefully.

 

[Byrd Man]

​

Boston

"What's so great about seeing a big freeway project?"

I look at Mia as the light turns green.

"The Big Dig teaches every government leader to not bite off more than they can chew."

"But why do we have to go see it?"

"It's my homework assignment."

I was one of the three "lucky" members of the Star City Council to go to Boston to represent the city at the annual International Municipality Conference. Local government leaders from all over the world fly in to attend the meetings and work on how they can serve their people better.

Last year they held the conference in Cabo San Lucas. Hooray for me and my presidential campaign.

"So, we're just going to check it out?"

"That's the plan, stan."

BZZZTTT!!!

The JLA communicator I keep in my pocket starts to buzz and go off. I fish it out of my pocket and check it out. Incoming message from Aquaman.

"This is the Greenie Meanie, I read ya loud and clear Fishman, come on back good buddy!"

 

[Byrd Man]

"So you've gotten over your amnesia after coming back from the dead?" Tim said as he dropped down next to Batman, Alfred running down the street a few seconds later.

"Every time I think about the last few days, the more I'm convinced that my life is actually a soap opera," he sighed.

"It would certainly seem like it," Alfred said, watching Bruce carefully.

"It happens," I say bluntly.

"Black Canary came back from death, Green Arrow as well. Superman did it twice. It may be strange and unbelievable, but it's part of our world."

I look around at the small group.

"Who's been tearing this city a part in my absence?"

 

[Karem-Knight]

"So you've gotten over your amnesia after coming back from the dead?" Tim said as he dropped down next to Batman, Alfred running down the street a few seconds later.

"Every time I think about the last few days, the more I'm convinced that my life is actually a soap opera," he sighed.

"It would certainly seem like it," Alfred said, watching Bruce carefully.

I rub my eyes again, still making sure that The Joker hasn't managed to completely mess up my mind. And I see Bruce, I'm still amazed that he manages to overcome over a year's brainwash and still manage to fight like he always has.

"While you were gone..me and Tim have managed to keep Gotham safe as best we can. But now we have bigger problems; since you were with Talia and the League of Assassins- a bunch of Batman wannabes have been destroying your name. We managed to clear most of them up, but not this one.....you're not going to like this..."

I sigh. Bruce is going to have his work cut out for him, hell we all are.

"Basically...for the past few months, Prometheus has been walking around claiming to be the "Batman from Hell". And has managed to cause this riot in Gotham."

Bruce nods, there is still one important thing missing till we can really continue our work here.

"Oh yeah and....your Batsuit is in the Cave." I say with a smirk and it finally hits me.

Batman has returned.

 

[Catman_prb]

"Basically...for the past few months, Prometheus has been walking around claiming to be the "Batman from Hell". And has managed to cause this riot in Gotham."

Bruce nods, there is still one important thing missing till we can really continue our work here.

"Oh yeah and....your Batsuit is in the Cave." I say with a smirk and it finally hits me.

Batman has returned.

"Batman from Hell? That's actually the phrase he used?" Tim groaned.

Bruce was giving him 'the Look'.

"What, I was with the Titans when this started out," he said, making sure not to crack a smile.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Batman from Hell? That's actually the phrase he used?" Tim groaned.

Bruce was giving him 'the Look'.

"What, I was with the Titans when this started out," he said, making sure not to crack a smile.

"Whatever he's called, he needs to be stopped." I say as I look between Tim and Dick.

"Try and contact Oracle. If we can pinpoint Prometheus' location, then we can end this tonight."

I look towards Alfred.

"I need you to follow me to the cave. Time is short, we've got work to do."

Alfred's stoic look is replaced by a slight smile.

"As you wish, Master Bruce."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Upon entering Buddy's Place, I look look around the club but do not find the man I am looking for. I approach the bar, and am greeted by the bartender who asks me, in a relatively rude manner what I want to drink.

"I'm affraid I'm not here for a drink." I say, and just as I'm about to asking him if he has seen Mr. Peterson, the bartender stops me.

"It's a two drink minimum pal. You can't just come in here and look at the ladies, you gotta buy something or get out." The bartender says angrily.

"You don't understand. I'm looking for this man, have you seen him?" I explain as I show him the picture of Peterson.

"Yeah, I seen him." The bartender says thoughtfully. "Actually, he's right over there." The bartender points to a small booth in the corner of the club, but there is no one there.

"Well, he was there a minute ago." The bartender says almost apologetically.

I leave the bartender and head over to the booth that the man had pointed out. Although it is empty, I hear a rustling sound nearby as if someone is trying to get away quickly.

"Oh no! The damn cops...I gotta get away!" I am able to pick up on someone's thoughts. Perhaps this is Peterson, I am unable to say for certain. However, it is the best lead I have, so I decide to follow it.

I follow the man for several blocks being careful not to be seen. Listening in on the man's thoughts, it is confirmed that this man is indeed Peterson...and he is leading me right to Maggie.

"Can't let them find the girl."

"Gotta get rid of her."

"If they find the little brat, I'm finished!"

His thoughts become more erratic as we approach his destination. A small
utility shed underneath the highway, where he had apparently been staying all this time. As we approach the shed I decide to take a more cautious approach out of fear for the girl's safety.

Making myself invisible, I follow Peterson into the shed. I decide to allow him to lead me right to Maggie. But I am not prepared for what I find....

Wrapped in a plastic tarp is Maggie, discarded in the corner of the shed, like garbage...covered in filth.

I stand there in shock for what seems like an eternity, I only snap out of it when I notice Peterson coming at the girl with a butcher knife.

"You will not touch that girl again!" I shout at Peterson, briefly overcome by my emotions.

I make myself visible, no longer using my shape shifting ability to hide my true form, Peterson turns and begins to run straight for the door. He doesn't get very far, I simply grab him by the arm and force him to look at me.

"You will come quietly." I say, not bothering to hide the anger in my voice.

Later

As I am leaving the police department, I struggle to come to terms with the events that have unfolded. I have travelled the universe, battled against some of the greatest evils that have ever threatened this world...and countless others. I have fought side by side with some of the Earth's mightiest heroes, and I have grieved when they have made the ultimate sacrifice.

I myself am the last of my kind, having outlived not only my loving family, but my entire world. So, why is it that the simple words of a grieving mother can penetrate so deep into my soul? Perhaps it is because I have finally come to understand the people of my adopted planet. I share in their victories, and I weep for their losses. I finally understand what it is to be human....

Perhaps.

 

[Watchman]

"Alright, everyone listen up," Gordon was in the police garage surround by cops and SWAT all gear up, all ready to go, "we've been through a lot together. Madmen, aliens, earthquakes, and I am not going to let it end here. Our insiders have found out the men responsible for this and we're going to take them down. Lieutenant Mitchell will fill you in on the details. Dan." Another cop move forward. He was standing by a car with a series of pictures on the hood.

"This is another strange one folks. Recently the opera house is boarded up and more well guarded than the pentagon. Our insider has put this man as the leader, Gregory Goode. Goode had disappeared a while back after a failed music career. The last sighting of Goode was Tokyo were he disappeared after that. He turned up last year and had a multi-platinum album, a large number of followers, and enough firepower for an army. Even, worst it seems he has some powerful friends. He has his own Batm..."

"Who has been identified as the villain, Prometheus. This is Justice League level. No, turning back now, everyone. It's time to finish this." The cops got into their cars and headed out. Sirens filled the city as a fleet of cop cars headed straight for the opera house.
********
"Have you seen the little piggies crawling in the dirt and for all the little piggies, life is getting worse. Always having dirt to play around in."Godfrey leaned back in his chair on the balcony.

"The police are on their way."
[FONT=&quot]
"Oh I know,"[/FONT] Godfrey smiled[FONT=&quot], "this is the final phase for us. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha of the Omega. The beginning of the end. All the pieces are coming together. Get into position."[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
"As you wish."[/FONT] The Batman turned his back and headed out.
[FONT=&quot]
"Twinkle, twinkle, little Bat."[/FONT]