The "World of Heroes" DC RPG Season VII

[Catman_prb]

I crash through the window of the Opera house; slowly I let go of Tim and look behind him and nod, ready to enter the battle. As I get out my esticma I walk over to see something that surprises me.

"What the hell....."

The only phrase I can think of that makes any sort of sense as I see Prometheues' charred corpse, Godfrey with a bullet wound to the head and The Joker lying down on the floor unconscious. Tim looks equally confused as I help him down Bruce looks tired but far from traumatised.

"Bruce...what happened? Are you alright? How did this all come about, how are you not......."

A moment of silence occurs as I let out a smirk.

"....Wow...you really are back!"

"I don't suppose there's any chance we can drop these off at the morgue, or Arkham or whatever, then head home. I've got a very irate pregnant girlfriend at home who's going to mock me for getting shot. Again. I'd rather get it over with sooner rather than later," Tim said, tearing a strip off of his cape and binding up the wound.

Bruce looked at him with the unreadable expression he'd come to miss.

"Rose Wilson," he said in the tone of one who is tired of explaining himself "A year is a long time for someone to develop. And before you say anything; Talia al-Ghul and Selina Kyle. Oh man, is Selina going to be angry we didn't come to her first. I'm going to have to have Oracle break the news before we get..."

Tim paused and looked at his mentor for a second.

"You are coming home right?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"I don't suppose there's any chance we can drop these off at the morgue, or Arkham or whatever, then head home. I've got a very irate pregnant girlfriend at home who's going to mock me for getting shot. Again. I'd rather get it over with sooner rather than later," Tim said, tearing a strip off of his cape and binding up the wound.

Bruce looked at him with the unreadable expression he'd come to miss.

"Rose Wilson," he said in the tone of one who is tired of explaining himself "A year is a long time for someone to develop. And before you say anything; Talia al-Ghul and Selina Kyle. Oh man, is Selina going to be angry we didn't come to her first. I'm going to have to have Oracle break the news before we get..."

Tim paused and looked at his mentor for a second.

"You are coming home right?"

I look between Dick and Tim, remaining silent.

Both of them were just boys when I took them in. It makes me proud to see them standing here before me now as men.

"I'm coming home."

I pick Joker up and sling him on my shoulder.

"Let's go."

The three of us walk through the opera house silently for a few minutes before I break the ice.

"Rose Wilson is pregnant by you?" I say as I glance over at Tim.

"I thought I taught you to always be prepared, no matter what battle you're in.....are you sure it's yours?"

 

[Catman_prb]

I look between Dick and Tim, remaining silent.

Both of them were just boys when I took them in. It makes me proud to see them standing here before me now as men.

"I'm coming home."

I pick Joker up and sling him on my shoulder.

"Let's go."

The three of us walk through the opera house silently for a few minutes before I break the ice.

"Rose Wilson is pregnant by you?" I say as I glance over at Tim.

"I thought I taught you to always be prepared, no matter what battle you're in.....are you sure it's yours?"

Tim looked between Bruce and Dick, who looked like he was about to have a heart attack. He sighed and smiled slightly.

"Yeah, but I'm getting a damn paternity test to shut you guys up when we get back,"

 

[Byrd Man]

Tim looked between Bruce and Dick, who looked like he was about to have a heart attack. He sighed and smiled slightly.

"Yeah, but I'm getting a damn paternity test to shut you guys up when we get back,"

I shoot Tim a look and do something I haven't done in ages. I actually smile.

"Dick, I'll see you and Tim later."

I walk towards an open window and motion to the unconscious Joker on my shoulder.

"I have to take out the trash."

Both nod as I leap out of the window and into the night.

 

[wiegeabo]

I try to raise Bart on my communicator when Wally's comes to life. I listen in as Sinestro calls a meeting with the entire Justice League. Something important must be up for a call to go out to everyone. But there's no way Wally can go with Savitar on the loose. His family needs him.

"Wally, I'll take the League call. You try to get hold of Bart and hook up with Zoom. If they absolutely need you, I'll let you know."

I can tell Wally doesn't like that idea of ignoring his League duties. But right now, his duties as a father take precedent. With a nod of agreement, I take off for the Hall.

***

I look around at everyone gathered. It is not the entire League, but I am glad they are here, nonetheless.

"Thank you for coming. First, let me put your minds at ease. There's no catastrophe or disaster to deal with." The tension in the room eases, although I can feel the confusion grow.

There's a sudden guest of wind and a flash of red. "I'm glad you could make it...Garrick?"

Garrick shrugs. "The Flash is...busy. Family emergency. I'm holding down the fort for now."

"...Indeed. Well, it is fortuitous you are here in any case. I have been called to Oa by the Guardians of the Universe. I am to stand trial for everything I have done."

"...And I would like if each of you could testify on my behalf."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"...Indeed. Well, it is fortuitous you are here in any case. I have been called to Oa by the Guardians of the Universe. I am to stand trial for everything I have done."

"...And I would like if each of you could testify on my behalf."

"Swaying them will not be easy. I've had few encounters with the Guardians of the Universe, and from what I've seen they are much like any higher power. So full of themselves and so sure that they know what should be done and therefore what will be done with the order of things."

Which brings Orin to think about the situation with Garth. While not the same, the issue still remains the difference in one man's view versus another about a grave decision.

"I was a King for nearly half of my life and still always knew well to keep a leveled head and not put my own self upon some pedestal. These beings have declared themselves the Guardians of the Universe for all of eternity. So you will need all the help you can get. I admit...I was very skeptical about you make your supposed reform. But, you have proved to be a very dependable ally and...a good friend."

"When is the trial?"

 

[wiegeabo]

"Swaying them will not be easy. I've had few encounters with the Guardians of the Universe, and from what I've seen they are much like any higher power. So full of themselves and so sure that they know what should be done and therefore what will be done with the order of things."

Which brings Orin to think about the situation with Garth. While not the same, the issue still remains the difference in one man's view versus another about a grave decision.

"I was a King for nearly half of my life and still always knew well to keep a leveled head and not put my own self upon some pedestal. These beings have declared themselves the Guardians of the Universe for all of eternity. So you will need all the help you can get. I admit...I was very skeptical about you make your supposed reform. But, you have proved to be a very dependable ally and...a good friend."

"When is the trial?"

I raise my eyebrow at the amount of anger in Aquaman's words. Can he really feel that way about the Guardians? But I ignore the question. Not to sound selfish, but I have other concerns weighing upon my mind.

"Ganthet will send a signal sometime tomorrow. At which point I assume I will be required to surrender my ring to the Lanterns escorting me to Oa. And I also assume they will bring along any of you willing to go."

I notice Garrick crossing his arms deep in thought. "And you, Flash. Would you stand with me?"

He gives me a look. "Not long ago, I wouldn't have hesitated in saying no. That you deserved whatever the Guardians dished out. But you helped us put Keystone back together. And stop Grodd's latest plan for rule domination. And have been an invaluable ally in any number of ways. I don't believe you're the man you used to be." He pauses for a moment. "There are things going on at the moment that I may not be able to get away from. But if I can, you can count me on your side."

 

[Karem-Knight]

As we fly down with Rayner using the construct of a pile driver and picks some Lanterns up, mine stops half way as I get distracted by his comment.

"Me!?"

Rayner looks at me with his construct in mid air.

"But I'm just a rookie....I'm not even as experienced as half the other Lanterns are!"

OOC: Sorry for the bunny Red Robin, just needed to move stuff along.

Rayner just looks at me and smiles; "You may thing that Sodam, but you sure as hell and helped us out brilliantly. Right now you're the only one that the other Lanterns will be assured that we'll be okay against threats like these again!"

He says picking up a massive hunk of debris and using the heat to piece together the fallen building. I then look over to my ring and ponder.

"Ring. Permission to access Ion power to repair Oa?"

PERMISSION GRANTED

The overwhelming surge of energy flows through me and all around my body as my eyes grow a bright green and I focus my mind calmly before putting every ounce of emotion to the charge.

"Excuse me, fellow Lanterns!"

I then let my imagination run wild as I pick up millions fragments of fallen rubble and place this planet to it's former wonder and glory. After five or so minutes I manage to recreate it in moments to the other Lantern's astonishment but still the scars and lives of the Red Lantern attack still linger.

"Nice work!" one of the new Lanterns says as he flies past, I just smile cockily.

"Attention, all Lanterns! The trial of Sinestro of Kougar will begin shortly. All members of the Green Lantern Corps please attend the Oan Council immediatly!"


Ganthet's hologram quickly disappears and me and Rayner nod to each other and fly straight towards the Oan Council.

 

[Karem-Knight]

I shoot Tim a look and do something I haven't done in ages. I actually smile.

"Dick, I'll see you and Tim later."

I walk towards an open window and motion to the unconscious Joker on my shoulder.

"I have to take out the trash."

Both nod as I leap out of the window and into the night.

OOC: Hope the bunny's okay Cats.

I look over towards Tim while we still stand inside the nearly burnt to the ground opera house. "You heard the man; and like you said we're going to have to make a lot of phone calls when we get back."

I tap into my com-link and speak into it for a direct contact to the Cave; "Hey Alfie.....oh god this is weird. Can you send down one of the jets to the Opera house quickly?"

"Will do Master Dick. It will be there in two minutes." He ends the transmission and I stare towards my hand I look down at the floor. I then look over my shoulder to Tim who's managed to keep his bullet wound in check.

"So that's it. Back to normal, huh......"

Tim stares at me confused.

"Don't you just find it strange? After all this time, over a year we struggled to survive without Bruce. Even longer with Alfred, and then in no longer than a day that just both come back from the dead, and Bruce shakes off the mind control....like if nothing ever happened."

The jet arrives above us as Tim reminds me that I called it only a few seconds ago, he then just asks me what I'm asking myself.

"What are you saying, Dick?"

"Nothing....just worried about them is all."

We both get out our grapple hooks and hop on board the Bat-Wing and set the course for the Cave.

 

[Byrd Man]

Joker is back in Arkham. For how long, I have no idea. Dick and Tim should be on the way back to the cave with Alfred.​

I don't go straight back to the cave. I head north, outside the city and to Gotham Lawns.

************​

This time of night, the graveyard is deserted.

The last few hours are slowly sinking in. Everything is slowly coming into focus. My death, Talia, Alfred, Joker.

What the hell exactly happened?

"Mom, Dad," I slip my mask off and look at the gravestones in front of me. My headstone lies off to the side.

"I...I'm back. Although I shouldn't be. For the first time in a long time, I don't know what to do....I was brainwashed and betrayed. In the irony of ironies, someone I despised rescued me. I feel like I'm at a cross-road in my life. Should I just give up? Dick and Tim have proved they can fill in for me. If I guide them properly, they can surpass even my expectations."

The wind kicks up and scatters bits of snow on my face.

"Honestly, what good can I do dressed as a bat? I could maybe donate money to the police department, help Gotham that way. I can't do this any longer. I'm tired of it all. I'm tired of being in mourning, I'm tired of living with my life like this. I have total disregard for anything that isn't involved in the mission, I've alienated all the friends I've ever had. Clark has put up with more than he should have. Tim and Dick shouldn't be out here, doing this. And Jason, Jason is in a mental hospital becasue of me!"

I kick at the ground in anger.

"Please, I don't want it to hurt any longer. If I go on with this weight, I don't know what'll happen! Tell me it's alright."

I look to my parents for reassurance. Hoping for some kind of sign to tell me it's going to be okay.

No sign comes. There's no voice from above or magic. I toss the roses on the ground and walk through the falling snow.

I'm eight years old again and I am alone.

 

[Watchman]

At first there is only darkness. A black void of nothingness.

Then the memories come speeding back like a runaway train. Random puzzle pieces that I can't put together.

"Get her out of here! I'll hold them off best as I can."

There was millions of them. Bright costumes swarming the fields of paradise with red eyes. Hollow souls and a great evil scattered through the great beyond.

"Listen maggots. I am Ultraman and for my entire life I prayed to God Below, Mammon. I was wrong our great lord, The new God, is all around us. Inside of us. He is the Great Infection of Life and now he has come for you."

A great dark being stood before us all.

"I've got him."

"No son! He's too powerful"

"You are not my father so shut up. I'll take care of what you can't, old man. It's your fault they are gone.

A terrible god with incredible power

And I....

I...

I killed him?

*****
There was an explosion that made me snap my eyes open. My head throbbed and two other men dressed in red costume stood by him. There was a massive battle going on before me. The black ships had return. So did the swarm of costumes.

"Where...."

"Dropped from nowhere."

"He didn't dropped from nowhere. He dropped from the sky."

"And he's almost naked."

"Where am I?"

"What?" One of the men raised his gun, "whose side are you on?"

"What are you talking about?"

"This is war. Whose side are you on?"

"I don't know what...." Without a second thought I grabbed both men and dived forward nearly escape a blast from an airborne rifleman.

"He just saved our lives." Another figured quickly descended from the sky. He was in red with a pointed helmet.

"What happened?"

"Adam, thank the gods. Our platoon was ambushed we are the only survivors. If you don't count this guy." He pointed toward me.

"Who are you?"

"We think he's part of the Last Son's army."

"If he was you would both be dead and he saved your lives. Who are you stranger?"

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

"Well, I doubt he's part of the Dark Army that has plagued Rann. He must be a victim of the thought disease," a flying object had landed, "come visitor. I think we may be able to help each other." The four of us entered the shuttle which quickly took off. I scanned the battle scene. The people of Rann were horrible outnumbered and I felt the dark presence here. As if it was following me, taunting me.

 

[In2Minds]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif] DOCTOR FATE

Hector stood at an altar inside the summit of the Tower of Fate , he gazed at the Helm of Nabu, massaging his forehead angrily, he wasn't sleeping well. The Magiks were still there, but something was missing, he felt empty. He turned and looked around the room smiling slightly, the artefacts he and his predecessors had collected over the aeons were marvellous and yet all the power they possessed could not help him now.[/FONT]


[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]He pushed the thoughts to his base of his brain with a scowl and pulled on the Helm, there was work to be done. He waves his hands over the Altar in a circular movement and begins to chant in a low voice. “ By the ancient forces of the Old Ones, the servant of Fate demands that the Realms be opened.” A glowing golden Ankh symbol appears just below his hands as Hector traces its shape, his movement speed increasing dramatically as a small vortex swirls in the space between each hand. “So Fate demands, so it shall be!”[/FONT]




[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]With a crash of thunder and a flash of blinding light the vortex whirls, revealing its secrets to the servant of Nabu, images slash across Hector Hall's vision painfully, assulting him with projections of the past, the present and the future, of pain...horrible pain. Hector's eyes burn but he cannot tear away from this, the mental assault finally proves too much even for him. He let's out a scream which shakes the Tower to it's foundations.[/FONT]

 

[Red_Robin77]

OOC: Sorry for the bunny Red Robin, just needed to move stuff along.

Rayner just looks at me and smiles; "You may thing that Sodam, but you sure as hell and helped us out brilliantly. Right now you're the only one that the other Lanterns will be assured that we'll be okay against threats like these again!"

He says picking up a massive hunk of debris and using the heat to piece together the fallen building. I then look over to my ring and ponder.

"Ring. Permission to access Ion power to repair Oa?"

PERMISSION GRANTED

The overwhelming surge of energy flows through me and all around my body as my eyes grow a bright green and I focus my mind calmly before putting every ounce of emotion to the charge.

"Excuse me, fellow Lanterns!"

I then let my imagination run wild as I pick up millions fragments of fallen rubble and place this planet to it's former wonder and glory. After five or so minutes I manage to recreate it in moments to the other Lantern's astonishment but still the scars and lives of the Red Lantern attack still linger.

"Nice work!" one of the new Lanterns says as he flies past, I just smile cockily.

"Attention, all Lanterns! The trial of Sinestro of Kougar will begin shortly. All members of the Green Lantern Corps please attend the Oan Council immediatly!"


Ganthet's hologram quickly disappears and me and Rayner nod to each other and fly straight towards the Oan Council.

I hurtle down towards the Council, Yat at my side. As I head down, I admire the restructured Oa. He's damn good. I hover down, crowds of other Lantern arriving as we do. I stride confidently into the Council and look up to the assortment of small blue beings. What the hell have they done this time?

"Ganthet, what the hell is going on?"

"Patience Honour Lantern Rayner."

The Lanterns continue to pour in and we all look up to Guardians expectantly, waiting for an explanation and instructions.

 

[Keyser Soze]

I look around at everyone gathered. It is not the entire League, but I am glad they are here, nonetheless.

"Thank you for coming. First, let me put your minds at ease. There's no catastrophe or disaster to deal with." The tension in the room eases, although I can feel the confusion grow.

There's a sudden guest of wind and a flash of red. "I'm glad you could make it...Garrick?"

Garrick shrugs. "The Flash is...busy. Family emergency. I'm holding down the fort for now."

"...Indeed. Well, it is fortuitous you are here in any case. I have been called to Oa by the Guardians of the Universe. I am to stand trial for everything I have done."

"...And I would like if each of you could testify on my behalf."

Now here's a strange situation. For many years, Sinestro was my most hated enemy. Not too long ago, he ruined my life by masterminding my corruption at the hands of Parallax. If there's anyone who'd want to see the Guardians do their worst to him, it would be me.

But then I think about how he's changed recently, how invaluable he's been as an ally and defender of Earth. Looking further back, I think of how he was when I first met him: noble, courageous, a mentor and friend who taught me so much about what it means to be a Green Lantern. He was a good man, back then. And I want to believe that no matter what terrible things a good man does when lost in their personal darkness, it is still possible for them to emerge from it and be good again, to find redemption. I need to believe it.

"Sinestro, I've got your back. The Guardians are wrong here, we'll make them see that you've changed. You are a good man, and... well, I believe in you."

 

[Byrd Man]

Oa

"Get the hell outta the way, star witness coming through."

I muscle my way through the crowd. I squint and see Kyle and Yat on the other side of the massive chambers.

"Gardner! Over here!"

I lift up above the crowd and touch down next to Kilowog.

"Nice crowd. All we need is a man selling peanuts and we gout ourselves a circus."

"I guess you're testifying, right?"

"Yep. How about you?"

"Yeah. I'm one of the few that remember Sinestro when he was still slinging on our side."

"Who else is supposed to speak?"

"From what Salaak says, they're going to use the senior lanterns like him and me, ones who were here when he was exlied. Then they're using all you Earth lanterns to testify."

"Makes sense. He's always had a hard-on for Earth."

"And then I think Sinestro's buddies, those Justice League poozers are going to testify."

"Well this should be one hell of a show."

"How about you two girls quit gabbing and scoot over."

Kilowog and I look up as John Stewart squeezes between the two of us.

"Getting kinda close there, John. No offense, but I don't dig ya that way."

"I'm afraid you're going to have to get used to it."

"I guess so. Like they say, once you go black, you don't go back."

All the lanterns look up as chimes echo through the chambers.

"Attention, all Lanterns. Please rise."

We all stand at attention as the little blue men start to talk.

"With the events of the last few weeks, it has become apparent that these are grave times. In accordance with that, the Book of Oa has been rewritten. Today we usher in a new law."

The 7,200 some odd Lanterns all look up as six green balls of fire fly in and hover behind the Guardians.

"Since their creation, the Green Lantern Corps members have been trusted with policing their sector autonimously and to the best of their abilites."

"With the recent lethal force update to the Book of Oa, we wonder if the ability to temptation to kill will be too much for some of you. In reponse to that, we have created a new branch of the Corps. They will regulate and punish any Lantern or Lantern enemy that violates the Book of Oa and its laws."

The fire disappears, revealing six bastardized Green Lanterns.

"Welcome to service, the first of the Alpha Lanterns."

"No man Lantern escapes the Alpha Lanterns!" They say in unison.

"Their first task shall be the arrest of the fugitive former Green Lantern, Sinestro."

I look on slack-jawed as the six Alpha Lanterns fly away.

"Oh, ****."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"Something puzzles me greatly, Hagen. Why, you've never been about destroying Atlantis. If anything, when I unleashed my maelstrom of attacks on the city surely you would've stood there in it defense were you not shackled in chains within this underwater dungeon."

It was the day before Hagen's scheduled execution, and it seemed that the Godling Triton was having second thoughts. Of course, he had every right to have doubt. Lying in his jail cell which lies nearby the sorcerer Hagen's, the son of Poseidon has done nothing but think about the plan they have concocted. There is a key difference between the joined forces of heroes and that of villains: heroes retain positive qualities and therefore can easily trust each other. While villains, well...they are evil for a reason.

"There once was a dream, my dear friend. That dream was of the elegant and beautiful Gamemnae. She had a vision of Atlantis that was pure and absolute. I sought to achieve her vision after Aquaman and his JLA friends slayed her when Poseidonis was brought back to the Present Day by manipulating the Crown and turning the very people and creatures of the sea against Aquaman. I took said actions because I thought it was the only way to achieve Gamemnae's vision of Atlantis; a prosperous city with no faults or imperfections. But rotting in this cell, and awaiting my execution has enlightened me my dear Triton. It is quite simple: the only way for Atlantis to prevail is to simply start anew. From the ashes and dust of the dead city shall arise the TRUE Atlantean City."

"And what is to stop you from simply turning on me the moment your plan is executed? For all I know once I do my part and you are freed you will simply abandon me or worse..."

"For starters, you simpleton, I'm going to need someone who can match Aquaman's physical strength. Second, in case he does not join us willingly, I just may need your help in apprehending him."

"And why do you need that welp's help to begin with? What makes him so special? He proved to be a very big disappoint in my eyes. So much raw power...wasted."

"Have you already forgotten the plan, you brute?"

"He is the key to all of this. Without him, the spell is not possible."

Triton nods, remembering the rest of their plan. If everything works out, Hagen gets what he wants but more importantly...Triton gets what he wants. And tomorrow is the day. Come tomorrow, the foolish King Garth will bring forth the villainous Hagen to answer for his heinous crimes against the Atlantean people. Come tomorrow...

...Atlantica and soon all of Atlantis is doomed.

 

[In2Minds]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]DOCTOR FATE[/FONT]
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]Hector woke a day later, his head was spinning, he felt nauseous . He groaned loudly and shakily got up, staggering back over to the altar, the images were still fresh in his mind, there was a mountain and dark clouds...lightning...a tidal wave, wait...tidal waves? “Ngggh!” Hector bit his lip as another painful image assaulted his mind “a....fork”. His eyes widened in horror “Oh no, no no no!” Hector frantically began tearing the room to bits in a fit of madness searching for something, tearing sheets of paper, books and artefacts away from their rightful places.[/FONT]


“Hector Hall, why are you in such haste?” The Helm of Nabu echoed through his head, it made Hector's brain buzz like an angry hornet's nest, was the great Nabu this blind? The pieces were there, it just remained to put them together “I am in haste Nabu, because I fear for a friend's life, I must find a locator spell and warn them of what I have witnessed at the Altar".


“[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]You must do nothing Hector Hall, You would do well to sequester yourself and allow us to make sense of these visions , every second you waste frivolously trying to find the king of the seas does him more ill will than good” Hector crossed his legs and sat on the cold stone floor, letting Nabu teleport him into the pocket dimension in a flash of purple flame. [/FONT]

 

[wiegeabo]

Now here's a strange situation. For many years, Sinestro was my most hated enemy. Not too long ago, he ruined my life by masterminding my corruption at the hands of Parallax. If there's anyone who'd want to see the Guardians do their worst to him, it would be me.

But then I think about how he's changed recently, how invaluable he's been as an ally and defender of Earth. Looking further back, I think of how he was when I first met him: noble, courageous, a mentor and friend who taught me so much about what it means to be a Green Lantern. He was a good man, back then. And I want to believe that no matter what terrible things a good man does when lost in their personal darkness, it is still possible for them to emerge from it and be good again, to find redemption. I need to believe it.

"Sinestro, I've got your back. The Guardians are wrong here, we'll make them see that you've changed. You are a good man, and... well, I believe in you."

"Thank you," I say to them, truly meaning it. "I-I don't know what else to say."

"I have no expectations about tomorrow. I would not be surprised if the Guardians rules against me. I would deserve such judgment. But now I know it won't be a battle I have to fight alone."

"You'll excuse me if I depart now? There are others I need to say goodbye to, and I would like to spend my time with them before we leave. I'm sure Jordan will let us know when that time comes. And when it does, you will be able to track me by my ring. Do not worry, I will not try to avoid this. I welcome it, in fact."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"You'll excuse me if I depart now? There are others I need to say goodbye to, and I would like to spend my time with them before we leave. I'm sure Jordan will let us know when that time comes. And when it does, you will be able to track me by my ring. Do not worry, I will not try to avoid this. I welcome it, in fact."

"Understood, Sinestro. Meeting adjourned, then. Just simply give me a transmission, and I will be ready for transport tomorrow. But now I believe I will be leaving as well."

"Need me to 'port you out of here, Arthur?"

Aquaman stops just before leaving the council room, and thinks for a moment.

"No, that is alright, Booster. I could use the relaxing swim back home."

Booster nods, and the Marine Marvel exits. Leaving the great doors of the JLA Arctic Base, Orin walks through the snow heading towards the nearby coast. The entire walk he finds to be relaxing, as a mild snowstorm takes place. Tomorrow is a big day, now in more ways than one, and he does not wish to rush himself to sleep. He could use the travel-time to clear his head.

Finally reaching the coast, Aquaman dives in.

 

[Andy C.]

Something's wrong.

Well, of course something's wrong--after all, I'm trapped inside a force-field so powerful that even I can't break it, stranded on a parallel Earth that's not even in the same multiverse as home, all while one of my most powerful and dangerous enemies roams free.

But there's something more to it than that.

At least four hours have gone by since Reed Richards locked me up, telling me that he and his cohorts would be able to track down Zod themselves. There haven't been any reports from them, any sign of them returning to this building, any transmissions of any kind. Dr. Richards and company have simply vanished.

Or worse.

I slam my fist into the energy field one more time, and once again, it doesn't budge, just sending a painful jolt up my arm. I really, really hate this. Even with all of the things I can do, right now I'm completely powerless.

"Y'know, if you wanted to get out of that thing, you could always just ask politely."

I was so busy brooding that I didn't even notice I wasn't alone in the room. Careless, Clark--Bruce would never let you hear the end of it if he saw that.

"Where's Dr. Richards? What's happened?"

The newcomer approaches the force-field keeping me in, actually crawling across the ceiling as he does.

"Wish I could tell ya--believe me, I really wish I could. I'm actually a pretty good scientist myself, and I can't make heads or tails of half the things that go on here. Anyway, that big swirly vortex in the sky that spit you out? Turns out there's more of them opening up. Reed and the gang split up to head into one each, and, well, that's the last we've heard of them. I figure you know something that we don't, and that you might be able to help."

He extends his hand, firing some kind of adhesive fluid onto a nearby control panel, then rips the controls right off. The force-field around me flickers and sputters for a second, then cuts off completely.

"Thanks for the help. Now who are you, exactly?"

"Just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Now how's about you make with the whole save-the-world thing so I don't look bad?"

 

[Byrd Man]

​

"This is Angie Molina live outside the Gotham Opera House where reports are flooding in that Batman has been spotted. In the year since the Caped Crusader was believed to have disappeared, a number of imposters have sprung up on the Gotham City streets. According to sources, the real Batman was seen leaving the Opera House with the Joker slung over his arm. I see Police Lieutenant Harvey Bullock coming this way. Lieutenant, can we get a word?"

"Get those ****** cameras outta my face! No comment!"

"Well, while the police remain tight-lipped on this matter, speculation abounds as to if Batman is actually back. Only time will tell if he is in fact the real McCoy. Angie Molina reporting live at the Gotham Opera House. Fox 5 news."

"Thank you, Angie. In other news-"

The girl clicked the television off and smiled widely as she ran to the apartment window.

Batman was back. She knew it. After this past year with all the wanna-be's and never-be's, the geniune article was back in town.

She had seen him once. Five years ago when her and her mother were at the First Bank of Gotham on Miller Avenue. It was almost six p.m. on a Friday when that creep Two-Face had come busting in with a couple of armed thugs. Her mom had been scared, crying and praying that they wouldn't be hurt. She was excited, because she knew it wouldn't be long before Batman showed up. It took five minutes for him to arrive, with Robin right behind him. She watched as the two of them took down Two-Face and his men without breaking a sweat.

She thought that Batman had kicked some major butt while Robin had taken out men twice his size while making jokes. Just as soon as they had arrived, both were gone. From then on, not a day passed that she didn't remember it. She considered Batman her hero, while Robin was sexier than the Jonas Brothers and that Twilight vampire combined.

When the news of Batman's supposed death had hit the world, she spent all day in her room crying for her hero. Ever since then, she had kept an eye on the news waiting for the day he would return. And it seemed today was that day.

She watched outside the apartment window, waiting for anything. When the dark shadow passed by her heart gave a little flutter. It was the middle of the night and her mom was asleep, but the girl slipped her shoes on and quietly opened the door. She had to be sure, had to see it with her own two eyes what her heart felt was so true.

Batman was back.



​

********************

​

I am Batman no more.

That's what I want to say. I want to say that with every fiber of my being. I want to toss this goddamn outfit off to the side and burn it. But I can't.

I once said that I could stop this anytime I wanted to, I could walk away whenever I please......but I find myself unable to. Am I addicted, or is it something greater that won't allow me to stop?

I'm addicted to it, pure and simple. After the night my parent's died, all my beliefs on fate and destiny were thrown out the window. I'm addicted to the power and the fear I strike in the heart's of the weak. I originally sought justice, but slowly I have been craving revenge more and more.

"It is you."

I turn at the sound of the voice, timid and shy. A young girl, no older than fourteen.

"You're back."

I remain silent, my arms crossed.

"I just....I just wanted to say I'm glad you're back, you're my hero."

"I'm no hero."

She flinches at my voice, scared to death of me. Clark would never make a child flinch.

"Don't say that! You're my hero! You saved me a few years back, me and mom and all the other folks at the First Bank! Two-Face was robbing it."

Sounds familiar. Something Tim and I did, back before Alfred's death.

"Go home."

"I-...I will, I just wanted to say that I'm glad you're back. Things have been a mess since you were gone. No matter what you say, you're a hero....our hero. We need you, Batman."

Is all that true? Does Gotham really need me? Are things actually any better since I first showed up? No.

"What's your name?"

"Carrie Kelly."

"Go home, Carrie Kelly. It's past your bed-time."

The girl turns as a light shoots up into the sky. The bat-signal. Jim's waiting for me.

I pull out a grapnel gun and fire a line off into the night. When Carrie Kelly turns to look one last time, I'm gone.​

 

[In2Minds]

DOCTOR FATE

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]In a flash of golden light Hector appeared from the pocket dimension, removing the Helm, he sat cross legged and laid Nabu into the crook of his legs. He floated slowly into the air, the golden cape scraping the floor slightly. The eyes of the Helm glowed purple as Nabu began to commune with him. “Attend Hector Hall, The mystical energies have shown you all they can,the Trident of Poseidon is the key. Who ever the shrouded figure is, we must prevent them from acquiring the power of Atlantis.”[/FONT]


“[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]I understand” [/FONT]Hector said simply as he flicked his wrist, with a flash the trademark glowing Ankh symbol appeared before him and he began to chant slowly, the wind swirling around him, biting at his cape as a portal to his friend and confidant Aquaman began to open. As the portal clarified, Hector fell to the floor with a groan as his head flared, his eyes bombarded with another vision marked by red demonic eyes.


[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]The Arctic waters bubbled in front of Orin as the portal to the Tower opened to admit him, showing him the prone form of Fate on its cold stone floor. [/FONT]

 

[trustyside-kick]

DOCTOR FATE

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]In a flash of golden light Hector appeared from the pocket dimension, removing the Helm, he sat cross legged and laid Nabu into the crook of his legs. He floated slowly into the air, the golden cape scraping the floor slightly. The eyes of the Helm glowed purple as Nabu began to commune with him. “Attend Hector Hall, The mystical energies have shown you all they can,the Trident of Poseidon is the key. Who ever the shrouded figure is, we must prevent them from acquiring the power of Atlantis.”[/FONT]

“[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]I understand” [/FONT]Hector said simply as he flicked his wrist, with a flash the trademark glowing Ankh symbol appeared before him and he began to chant slowly, the wind swirling around him, biting at his cape as a portal to his friend and confidant Aquaman began to open. As the portal clarified, Hector fell to the floor with a groan as his head flared, his eyes bombarded with another vision marked by red demonic eyes.

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]The Arctic waters bubbled in front of Orin as the portal to the Tower opened to admit him, showing him the prone form of Fate on its cold stone floor. [/FONT]

Seemingly out of no where, an ankh symbol appears in the water before the Marine Marvel. It glows a brilliant gold with a purple shimmering light in the center of the portal. Orin quickly recognizes the symbol, associating it with the great and powerful magician Doctor Fate. Without feeling the need to question the appearance of the portal, the Aquatic Ace nods as though answering Hector Hall and swims straight through it.

As he enters the ankh and exits through the other side he quickly makes a landing on his feet as he finds himself within one of the many chambers of Dr. Fate.

"What is the purpose of this summon, Hector?"

 

[In2Minds]

[FONT=Bodoni MT, serif]DOCTOR FATE[/FONT]


[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]Hector groaned, getting back up slowly “My friend we must speak, The Helm has shown me worrying images and there has been a shift in the magical energies which causes me grave concern” A white marble staircase materialised in front of Aquaman, leading to the summit of the Tower.[/FONT]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium, sans-serif]Hector sat in the artefact room, rubbing his temples in slow clockwise circles, he looked gaunt and pale. The skin was stretched over his face making his eyes seem bulbous and toadlike. [/FONT]

 

[trustyside-kick]

Orin begins to walk up the spiraling white marble staircase leading to the summit of the tower. When he finally makes way, the prestigious Dr. Fate is already waiting. Such stress seems to overwhelm the magician which worries Aquaman. Before him is easily one of the most powerful magic-users on the planet, and something is stirring within to cause him such fatigue.

"I understand that Atlantis is the Centre of Magic, Fate...but just how strongly is my home tied with this thing that troubles the helm of Nabu? Anything that can be done, surely I will make sure is done to help."

The Marine Marvel looks to the magical helmet that rests beside Hector Hall. While briefly looking at it, he almost feels a strange telepathic presence surging within. Of course, it could just be Nabu's spirit but...this is not the first time the Aquatic Ace has been in the helm's presence. Never before has he felt such a strange aura. Perhaps the situation at hand is more grave than he already thought.