Rules:

1.) No back-to-back posting.

2.) PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND SET-UPS!!

3.) Make sense. If we can't make heads or tails of your posts they're likely to get skipped over.

4.) COLLABORATE! Get permission before using another player's character in your posts if it involves changing the scene or making actions.

5.) Problems with the game or players should be sent directly to me through PM's. I don't want a bunch of bickering in the OOC.

6.) Abandoned characters will be used as NPC's or killed off within the context of the story.

7.) “I was waiting for [insert player/character] to make a move” is not how this game is played.

8.) There is no rule #8.

9.) My word is law.

10.) Obey the law.

11.) In the event that I'm offline for any period of time, the Co-GM [none ATM] will take control and HIS/HER word will then be law.





The Justice League was in the middle of a transitional period. Booster Gold and other heroes who’s best days were probably behind them were among their group. Wonder Woman was last seen in Europe fighting demi-Gods. The monster from space called Doomsday completely wrecked the League. Green Arrow managed to stay in the fight even with a broken arm. Batman suffered a broken back after the behemoth folded his car in half with him in it. Bloodwynd and the Brazilian hero Fire were both dead. Superman and the monster fought through Metropolis and in his final act, after being super charged by Captain Atom, Superman somehow exploded with solar energy and left Battery Park a giant crater.

Lois Lane cried with the fallen hero in her arms as he took his last breaths. Clark had proposed three days before the creature landed on Earth.

Coast City…
Ten Days Ago…

The League couldn’t catch a break even with the return of Hal Jordan from a mission in deep space. Having already corrupted the Lantern’s ring in orbit, the man once called Hank Henshaw corrupted the technology at STAR Labs in California as well as the hero Cyborg in an attack on the Justice League. The former astronaut blamed the heroes for the deaths of his three teammates, when in reality it was the arrival of the Doomsday creature that destroyed the satellite Henshaw was station on. Radiation from the creature’s ship altered Henshaw’s DNA and made his body a corporeal energy that could inhabit machines. After his power grew in STAR Labs with the inclusion of nanite machines that could absorb mass, the tech within the body of Cyborg, as well as the somewhat unlimited energy in Green Lantern’s ring… half of the city was blanketed in grey tech. All attempts to breach what the news outlets are calling ‘Machine City’ have failed.

Metropolis…
Present Day…

Outreach One was somewhat of a success. The #SupermenOfAmerica movement was in full swing and Black Lightning was one of the remaining League members who made it happen. Heroes young and old were gathered, some wore a belt buckle, and others sported the S on their chests, while some opted to use the shape of the pentagon on their suits. Black Lightning was on a video call with Green Arrow in the Monitor Room when an emergency call came in from Central City of all places. Longshadow, the android Red Tornado, and other heroes were nearby.

“This is Black Lightning of the Justice…” he began before pausing for a moment, “of the Supermen of America… I can barely get your signal.”

“This is Detect… ive… Ha…rt. CCPD. Gorillas are… illing… eople..!” The signal began to fade again as Longshadow and Red Tornado approached the monitor behind Lightning.

“Something’s wrong. The Flash didn’t call for help himself… and that detective was screaming something about gorillas?!” Jefferson questioned before taking point and gathering a team.

“I need Supermen and Superwomen to dispatch to Central City and check in on the Flash and assist in whatever way possible. I’ll program the teleporters in the teleporter room, we have working units disguised as memorabilia in the Flash Museum’s Justice League wing. If more backup is required I’ll put in a call to Beast Boy and his group to give us an assist.” Lightning said to the crowd of heroes in the lobby of the HQ.

Suddenly the shadowy hero Obsidian formed out of the nearby Monitor Room with a surprised look on his face.

“I know now probably isn’t the best time, sir, but…” Obsidian said pulling back on his shadow form revealing a bit of his face…

“Calm down son… what is it now?” Lightning questioned.

“Livewire and Bloodsport have taken the Daily Star Radio Station hostage. She’s already killed an intern and forced them to play her band’s music… and it is so much cringe.” Obsidian explained talking somewhat with his hand gestures.

“Did that guy just say BLOODSNORT?! What the **** is THAT guy’s power set? Bloody snot generation and manipulation?” Longshadow asked facetiously.

Central City…

“We have five gorillas on the Flash breaking his legs every two minutes to get around his healing factor, Lord Grodd.” said a soldier of the Gorilla City rebels approaching the armored leader.

“Excellent. Taking down another founding League member will surely get me where I need. To be in a position of REAL power… The Flash’s friends will surely be here sooner than later. Prepare the soldiers." the armored gorilla responded with a grin.

The familiar buzzing of a ringing cell phone could be heard on a nearby coffee table. The flashed screen would read "Kori" with a sun and fire emoji next to her name.

"You're not going to answer her? You know she cares about you, right? I like her. She has a certain fire in her heart that reminds me a bit of myself." Lois Lane said while holding a mug of coffee. It had been a week since her fiancé's untimely demise and the scene in front of her was almost too nostalgic.

"I know and I'll call her back later. Presently, I look and feel like a dork. Like I'm just some wannabe pretending to be him." Kieran responded. He was currently looking at himself in the mirror. More specifically he was looking at his new suit. It had been a week since Clark Kent, the Superman, fell after using a double-edged attack to defeat the monster known as Doomsday. It had been hard on everyone, but especially so for Lois and Kieran. Their whole world shattered and Kieran was now under a pressure that felt all too familiar to him and his time with the Teen Titans.

Lois sighed and put down her coffee. "You do not look like a dork and you're not a wannabe." She walked closer to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "You look like the hero you were always meant to be. If your father were here he'd say the same."

"But that's the problem, isn't it? If he was here I wouldn't be wearing this. I wouldn't have Metropolis or the planet looking to me, expecting me to be the answer to all of their problems. I wasn't... I'm not ready to be Superman."

Lois didn't like what she was hearing. She wanted to be able to console and uplift Kieran, but she truthfully couldn't understand what he was feeling. Not fully at least. Not to mention she was still reeling from his death as well. "Let me let you in on a little secret. Clark wasn't ready to be Superman either. When he first started out he was a complete novice and quite embarrassing. But he never let that hold him back, because his true source of power and the true meaning behind Superman isn't the Kryptonian physiology or the sun that grants you all these abilities. It's the giant heart that you both share and the will to push forward no matter the obstacle."

He may not have admitted it out loud, but Lois's words actually helped. When he emerged from the Phantom Zone Superman was already this perfect symbol of hope. An impossible standard to reach, but to know that he didn't start out that way relieved a bit of the pressure from his shoulders. "Thank you and I'm sorry I haven't been around much."

"Don't worry about it. Also, I know you aren't set on becoming a reporter, but I pulled some strings and got you an internship at the Planet. Now that you're Metropolis' premier hero, like Clark, you're going to need to keep your ear to the ground and always be ahead of the press."

"I'll do it, but I promise I won't like it."

"We'll see. I have a feeling you will."





Kieran hovered just above the blue and green planet known as Earth. He soaked in the sun's rays while listening to the world below. He understood why Superman had preferred to do this. It was peaceful up there and not to mention the feel of the sun on his skin. But beyond those more selfish reasons this was the perfect place to search for trouble without patrolling the skies of Metropolis.

He hid it well, but Kieran was annoyed. For the past two weeks things haven't been going too well for the side of justice and he wasn't sure exactly how to solve the issues at hand. Coast City was currently overrun by technology, Gotham was under the control of thugs on steroids, and rates of crime skyrocketed all over. The criminal element didn't hesitate to take advantage of the heavy blow handed to the heroes and if this was all the time it took for things to change so drastically what was the point of Superman? The Justice League? Were they just there to barely play the glue in holding the world together? Was the fight against evil that pointless? Was there any hope worth holding onto?

His thoughts were interrupted by his ear picking up a certain frequency. He had tuned his super hearing to look out for the Supermen of America's communication channel when he was gone. The message was breaking up, but he was sure that he heard that gorillas were attacking Central City. If they were giving Flash a problem they weren't your ordinary apes. Grodd. He extended his super hearing to focus on the conversation in the Monitor Room. He was glad he did, because he had discovered that Livewire and Bloodsport were up to no good in Metropolis. He was sure that Black Lightning would've been more than enough to handle Livewire and he shuddered at the thought of Bloodsport and his Kryptonite needles. Grodd and his army seemed to be the more pressing issue.

Kieran inhaled slowly soaking in the sun's rays once more before making a full speed descent towards Central City, USA. A sonic boom could be heard as he re-entered the atmosphere and tore through the skies. With his visual prowess it was easy to find the armored king of the apes. He locked onto his location before slowing his descent just enough not to destroy the city with his landing. A small crater formed under his feet. "If it isn't Gorilla Grodd. Did you do something different with your fur? There's this certain shine to it."

Two Weeks Earlier

The steady hum and occasional beep of medical equipment were the only sounds present in the small ICU room when Dick entered. The nurse who’d led him there gave him a sad understanding look, before turning away. Still wearing his police service blues Dick eased the door closed leaving the occupants a modicum of privacy. Besides the newest arrival three others filled the rooms small interior. The foremost and only conscious one among them, was a tall balding butler who approached Dick at once, grasping the younger man by his shoulders. Alfred Pennyworth, Wayne Manor’s sole servant, for once in his life seemed worse for wear. His normally pristine uniform and graying hair were disheveled, and dark bags under his eyes signified a lack of sleep. Normally the Englishman’s sense of propriety would demand a certain level of professionalism, but he did not resist when Dick wrapped him in a heartfelt embrace.

“Sorry it took so long for me to arrive Alfred, everything’s gotten worse, even in Bludhaven.” Dick reported, releasing the butler. It was a mess out there, and the PD departments were shouldering the increased burden. Perhaps emboldened by the sudden and heavy losses the JLA were reporting, criminals were slithering out from every dark corner imaginable less then fourteen hours after the incident and destabilizing the already shaken cities. Officer Grayson having worked an extended shift found himself called upon yet again, and again until he finally received permission call it a night. Instead of collapsing into bed, however much his exhausted body begged for the release of sleep he powered through. Dick made straight away for the Gotham Memorial Hospital where his former guardian Bruce Wayne had been admitted hours earlier after a particularly nasty vehicular accident. A mostly true story, but Dick knew the full truth. He, and half the world watched live as the Batmobile was folded like paper beneath the monster Doomsday’s hands, witnessing in horror as the Batman’s broken body was dragged away from the wreckage and disappeared back to the Justice League’s secret headquarters. “How’s he holding up?”

Despite having called ahead earlier, Dick did not have the time to get a full diagnosis over the phone. Deciding instead to come see for himself after being assured Bruce was alive and stable. Alfred led him over to the bedside, where Bruce lay comatose. Tubes and bandages enshrouded the billionaire’s body, and an oxygen mask obscured his face. If it were not for the steady ECG it would have be easy to assume his surrogate father had already died. Taking one of Bruce’s lifeless hands in his own Dick fought back the tears that threatened to fall, only half listening as Alfred spoke.

“…He entered a coma in route and has been unresponsive since. Whether there will be permanent damage remains to be seen.” The list of internal injuries, possible brain trauma, and irreparable spinal damage went on and on, it seemed Alfred had already memorized the lot, no doubt tortured by the condition his eldest charge was in.

“And Tim?” Dick indicated the youngest occupant in the room. The thirteen-year-old ward, sleeping fitfully in the corner chair. Alfred had draped blanket over him to apply some level of comfort, and Dick could see tiny streaks dirtying the child’s face from where he had cried himself to sleep. The newest member of their strange little family would no doubt be taking things hard. Two parents, one biological and one surrogate lost in less than a year.

“He’s been remarkably strong despite the circumstance. He was trying to stay awake until you arrived but considering the hour...” The Englishman checked his watch. “I would say he made a good effort, nonetheless. Should I wake the young master Drake?”

“No, let him sleep.” Dick decided after a moment. He would’ve liked to talk to his little brother, but there would be plenty of time for a long conversation another time. “He’ll need plenty of rest for what comes next.”

Alfred’s face fell, such words were unwelcome in this trying time when one of his charges were already devastatingly injured. “If you pardon my asking sir, what does come next?” Please do not say you intend to continue mission fight Master Wayne leaves in his absence. Alfred begged silently. I can hardly stand him being so broken, if you were to join him in such suffering, or young Timothy… I simply do not want to imagine such things.

Knowing the butler would disapprove Dick hesitated, wishing he could promise they would be safe, and no harm would befall them. But he could not hope to keep it, not with absolute certainty. “The fight goes on. Gotham needs its protectors. I cannot allow Robin to face these streets on his own, he is too inexperienced.”

“Are you sure master Grayson.” The Englishman pressed, squeezing the young man’s shoulder. “I know you have trepidations operating in the open and did your utmost to remain an unknown figure in Bludhaven. Defending Gotham full time, it would mean the world will be made aware about Nightwing, and no doubt who you were before. Are you absolutely certain this is what you want?” The words were familiar, all too familiar to those distant days’ eleven years ago when the first Robin joined Batman on the streets of Gotham. Alfred recalled asking if Dick was certain that his desire to fight alongside the caped crusader was indeed his own decision, and not pressed upon him.

Dick remembered that conversation as well and steeled himself up for the challenges that would come once he repeated his decision tonight. “It’s not what I want, but sometimes what we want, and what is required are two separate things. Maybe I can work around these limitations, maybe not. Nevertheless the mission goes on, and if not me, who?”

A defeated sigh escaped the butler and Dick felt him step away. He kept his eyes locked on Bruce’s face, a mixture of anger, fear, and doubt stirring in his gut. I will not let you down Bruce. I will keep Gotham safe for you. I promise.




Present Day



Dick glanced up from the file he had been reviewing. Something flashed on the computer screen begging to be noticed. A JLA request, Dick’s eyebrow rose. Why would the Justice League, newly branded the Supermen of America be sending a gathering notice to the Batcave? He was not a member, and neither were Robin or Oracle meaning the call must have been a mistake. Maybe they forgot to delete Batman’s contact information, he joked to himself hitting delete on his keyboard silencing the droning alarm. Bruce Wayne remained coma locked in Gotham Memorial, with no change to his condition, meanwhile the remainder of Gotham’s guardians fought tooth and nail just to protect their own city.

“What’s that?” Tim asked from the uneven bars, halting his routine mid swing.

“Nothing, probably a mistake by the JLA.” Dick waved the question away, refocusing on the paper document laid out before him, his brow furrowing in frustration. This case simply did not make sense. Two separate kidnappings, occurring almost simultaneously. The victims were a fourteen-year-old boy, and the other a ten-year-old girl. Both from affluent families, but now nearly a week later and no sign of either the children or a demand for ransom. They would not have been easy scores either, the boy even had a bodyguard who was found murdered on the scene which meant they were being targeted specifically. Dick thumbed through the gathered evidence, depressingly little though there was. Maybe the police could find a connection that he hadn’t noticed, but that would mean speaking to Commissioner Gordan, something Dick had been trying to put off for as long as possible. He was living with a foot in both worlds, or at least trying to. Maintaining his anonymity while protecting Gotham proved difficult, fighting from the shadows alone could not be accomplish forever. Eventually he would have to step into the light, and a meeting with Gordan seemed to be the catalyst for that next step. Already reports were spreading that Batman himself was back, and Nightwing was happy to allow those rumors to continue.

The tone sounded again, jerking him from his thoughts. “What the hell…?” The JLA were trying to contact the cave again? Curious this time Dick slipped on his mask and accepted the summons, Robin joining him at his side.

“Nightwing, Robin!” A relived face flickered into existence on the screen, his gaze switching between the two masked vigilantes. “I was worried you were unavailable after you declined my first call.”

“You were intending to contact the cave?” Nightwing asked, incredulous.

“I intended to contact you.” Black Lightning answered smoothly.

A moment of silence hung between the two of them, before Nightwing shook his head. “I already gave you my answer, I have no intention of joining the Superme-“

Black Lightning raised his gauntleted hand, silencing further protest. “No, not about that. My invitation remains, but this is more of a temporary arrangement. We’re spread too thin, and we are in desperate need of reinforcements.”

Beneath the white lenses Nightwing’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Its broad daylight, Lightning you know I can’t.”

“People are dying!” Came the passionate response. “I don’t care about your sensibilities right now, you need to get over it, and come help!” When no response was forthcoming from the stunned vigilante Black Lightning pressed on. “Get your gear and head for Central City, Gorilla Grodd is there, and as far as we know there are several League and civilian casualties. Black Lightning out.”

The computer screen went blank leaving Nightwing and Robin staring at where it had gone out, as if in a trance.

“So,” Robin said, breaking the spell. “Are we going?”

“We aren’t going anywhere. You’re staying here and working on the kidnapping case.” Nightwing corrected. “Don’t go out on patrol or attempt any field work. Oh, and let Alfred know where I’ve gone.”

Robin’s face fell. “What, wait why can’t I go? They need the manpower, Black Lightning said so.”

“Because I said no.” The masked hero punched in the final coordinates for the cave’s Zeta gate to reach Central City. Grimacing, he remembered how annoying Batman’s callous and unhelpful explanations for leaving him behind had always been. Tim deserved a better excuse that a barked no. “Also, there is no need to risk more exposure than necessary, I could probably get away with making an appearance. If people see Robin at my side though, the whole gig is over.” He left out that the inexperienced Robin might be more of a liability in the battle than a boon anyway. Considering who they were facing. As the lights around him grew, he cast one last glance over his shoulder as Robin’s disappointed face vanished from sight.

It’s the small things you take for granted. Things that are. Things you just don’t think about on a day to day basis. The sun rises every day. Superman saves the world. The Lotus opens everyday at five in the morning. Things you think are inconsequential but they’re not. And when they go away, it’s often with the smallest of starts. Like Tiffany’s phone. Buzzing.

Alba’s small class was currently meditating. The soft tranquil sounds poured out of the new speakers she had just installed. The ringing of Nikki Minaj was not.

“Sorry.” Tiffany squeaked in her falsetto as she quickly rolled from her back to her feet. Tina made a small rude noise but settled back down quickly at Alba’s raised eyebrow. The instructor moved on to check John’s posture before she realized Tiffany had yet to return to her mat.

The young woman was starring down at her phone still. Alba mentally sighed. She loved teaching. What she didn’t love was correcting her paying customers. Still, if Tiffany stayed on her phone much longer she’d cause an even bigger disruption than she already was.

“Everything OK?” Alba asked coming to stand next to the woman. Now that she was closer she could see how upset Tiffany was.

In response Tiffany turned the phone so Alba could see it too. A video was playing. It was small, blurry and obviously taken from someone’s phone. Distantly she could hear Tina and John join them.

“Oh GOD.”

Alba wasn’t sure who spoke. She only had eyes for what used to be the batmobile.

“Oh GOD.”

Alba was pretty sure it was Tina who was freaking out. But she couldn’t bring herself to look away from the small video.

“Oh GOD!”

The video cut out as a large chunk of rubble came at the shooter. Black filled the screen. Alba felt like she was in a daze.

“Come on, Tina.” Alba found her mouth moving. “That was Batman. He’s fine. He’s always fine.” Still she moved over to the TV mounted in the corner and turned it on. She wished she hadn’t.

SUPERMAN DEAD!

The headline was impossible to miss.

“Oh GOD!”

Alba wasn’t quite sure when the sky grew dark. Nor was she sure when her customers left. Shock had long since left her with a numb feeling. When you were a child everything was perfect. You were safe and everything was right with the world. Even when you grew older all you had to do is look to the Man of Steel and you knew things would be OK.

Alba clicked off the TV. She couldn’t watch her hero die again. She rubbed a shaking hand down her face.

The middle aged Hispanic woman pushed the run down cleaning cart through the darkened building. It was late and nearly everyone had gone home. She as she moved past empty cubicles she would stop and empty trashes and replace can liners. Under her breath she hummed along to Bonito y Sabroso. An oldie but goodie.

The cleaning lady swung her hips to her mental rendition and she opened the door to the next area on her route. As the door swung shut she ‘tisked’ loudly. Across the room a white man in a nice suit jumped.

“Maria.” His voice was breathless. “You know better than to sneak up on me!” Indeed he looked like he had seen a ghost.

“Sorry. Sorry.” Maria said with a smile on her face, not looking guilty at all. She pushed the cart to his desk and stopped. “Why do you work late?” She demanded. “You should be home with your,” Maria paused trying to think of the word in English. “Guapo, uh...”

“Beautiful.” The well dressed man supplied.

Maria smiled widely. “Shame on you.” She scolded playfully. “I’m old enough to be your mother. What would your wife say.” She fluttered a hand in front of her face, play fanning herself.

The man laughed.

“Don’t work yourself to death.” The older woman demanded. She reached inside one of her pockets and pulled out a tinfoil wrapped package. “You too skinny anyways.”

“Oh, you spoil me.” The man said as he grabbed the package. A lovely aroma drifted out as he started unwrapping it.

“Say hello to tu hija for me.” Maria said as she started pushing her cart away to continue her routine.

As she left the man placed the package of food down on the desk and turned back to his computer screen. With a key stroke a new screen popped back up. On it was a masked figure.

“I don’t think-” The man in the suit started only to be cut off.

“You’re not paid to think.” The masked person hissed. Their voice distorted. “Get me what I want tonight or you’ll find out what I’ll do to your beautiful wife.”

The new screen vanished leaving only the old screen behind. The man, if it were possible, became even paler.

Alba groaned as her phone buzzed and whined. She wiggled her head under the pillow but the insistent sound still found her anyways. Blearily she groped around until she touched the offending object. She cracked an eye open and stared at the text.

Batman sightings in Gotham unsubstantiated

With a grunt the woman tossed it back down and went back to sleep. She’d deal with it tomorrow after she slept.

The Supermen teleported into the Flash Museum and made a quick exit out of the back entrances. Longshadow immediately increased his size and started smacking gorillas and throwing them at each other. He noticed the new kid wearing a Superman suit in the distance dodging cars thrown by the telekinetic mind of Gorilla Grodd. The simian soldiers were quite literally all around. Obsidian and the android Red Tornado fought alongside Longshadow and pushed forward. The heroes tried to make their way to Grodd and the strange mechanical device that the gorillas had in the center of the city absorbing residual Speed Force energies.

“You think yourself worthy to wear that symbol and that red cape, BOY?!” Grodd snarled throwing cars at the young Superman. @King Kindred

Gorilla soldiers were all around with energy blasters as well as blunt melee weapons. Not to mention their brute strength and feral nature.

“We have to find what they’ve done with the Flash!” Longshadow screamed over the chaos to anyone who would listen.

And that was when things went from bad to worse for the Supermen. A giant golden hand grabbed the Red Tornado out of the sky and with his other gigantic hand… Congorilla ripped the robotic hero in half!

“What’s the matter with YOU?! I thought you were HERO?” Longshadow screamed as he began to wonder if the gorilla hero was under some mind control of Grodd’s.

“I have to protect his device until he absorbs enough of the Speed Force… he has my family hostage. I’m sorry…” the golden gorilla said growing even larger than Longshadow and smacking him into the nearby river almost a mile in the distance.

Star City
Two Weeks Ago

It had been awhile since Roy had visited his hometown, long enough that he hardly recognized it. He chuckled to himself quietly as he found his old neighbourhood now gentrified. He had been aware that for several years Oliver Queen had been investing a lot of money into fixing up Star City, but he was still impressed by how much progress there had been.

“Look Lian, this is where daddy grew up,” Roy said to the child in his arms.

Lian responded with a smile as the pair walked down the street. This was Lian’s first time in Star City, as Roy wanted her to connect with his past. While there were a lot of bad memories in this city, there were just as many good ones. Addressing these memories was key for Roy, as part of his path of sobriety was making peace with himself. And Roy felt at peace right now, standing in this familiar place.

The brief moment of bliss was interrupted by the text jingle of Roy’s phone. Shifting Lian so that he could hold her with one arm, Roy checked his cell. A link had been sent to him, one labelled urgent. Roy quickly opened it, his eyes widening as a video played. The Justice League were battling some kind of monster, and seemed to be losing. Roy’s eyes were fixed to the screen as various Leaguers were tossed around. Then Green Arrow was grabbed by the arm and thrown, a sickening crunch being audible as his arm twisted in an unnatural way.

“Oliver, no…” Roy whispered.

Lian seemed to realize the pain her father was in as she began to cry. But still Roy couldn’t look away. He saw the Brazilian hero Fire collapse dead. He saw the batmobile crunched into a heap of metal with Batman inside. He saw Superman explode. By the time Roy became aware of his surroundings, Lian was deeply crying, making the wails only an infant can. And Roy was also crying, as tears fell down his face silently, while a rage burned deep inside him. He was angry at that monster, but he was also angry at himself. He should of been there, fighting alongside the other heroes. As that rage spread throughout his body, Roy looked back at his phone. Footage of the destruction left by the battle and those who were injured or died was all around social media.

“Damn it!” Roy shouted as threw his phone at the ground, shattering it.

The tears continued to flow down Roy’s cheeks as Lian wailed even louder. Roy finally became aware of Lian’s tears as he looked into her eyes. A small feeling of calm spread through his mind as he focused on his daughter. Even as the tears began to fall, Roy managed to form a smile.

“It’s alright baby,” Roy said softly as he held her tightly, “Everything will be alright.”



Metropolis
Now

Roy stood in his bedroom, once again staring at his costume. While he had commissioned it several months back, Roy had yet to wear it. For a while he felt it wasn’t the right time to become a hero again, not when he was still trying to sort out his life. But Roy had begun to think that was selfish, what with people in need and him being able to do something. That was represented all too well by the silver insignia that he had added to the belt of the costume.

It had been in light of Superman’s sacrifice that Roy had decided to wear the costume. Black Lightning had offered him a place in the Supermen of America, to which Roy agreed, ready to join a team again. It had been a long time since Roy was on a team, having left the Teen Titans several years ago. That whole time operating as Speedy was important to Roy, but he had changed since then. It was due to this that he had formed a new identity: Arsenal.

It was then that a blond woman entered the room, holding Lian in her arms, “Whatcha staring at Roy?”

Roy quickly pressed a button, causing the suit to disappear back into the wall, “Nothing Artemis.”

“Sure,” Artemis said while putting Lian down on the bed, “Look, I understand the whole superhero ennui thing, so if you need to talk I’m here.”

Roy sighed, before changing the subject, “Spoken to Oliver recently?”

“Yeah, he’ll be in a cast for awhile,” Artemis replied, “But you could’ve asked him yourself.”

Roy shrugged, “Well you know it’s hard talking to someone who threw you out when you really needed them.”

“That’s old news Roy,” Artemis stated, “I thought you were over that.”

Roy frowned. He had thought that he was over it until just now. Internally he beat himself up, trying to keep moving forward with his life. He glanced over at Lian, then to Artemis. He knew had a family here but he guessed calling Oliver couldn’t hurt.

“I guess I am,” Roy said as he sat next to Lian on the bed.

Across the room on his desk, Roy’s laptop began beeping. He turned to Artemis, “Could you turn whatever that is off please.”

Artemis nodded, before opening the laptop, “It’s an urgent call for Speedy.”

“What?” Roy asked he got up.

“Yep, that is the Supermen of America contacting you,” Artemis handed the laptop to Roy.

Roy answered the call, the face of Black Lightning popping up. Before the older hero could say anything Roy stated, “Y’know its not Speedy anymore, its Arsenal.”

Black Lightning chuckled, “Sorry, guess we haven’t updated the database yet.”

“See that you do,” Roy said with a smile, “So what’s so urgent?”

“Well a couple things right now,” Black Lightning’s face grew solemn, “But I would like you here in Metropolis for a crisis brewing. How fast can you get to the Daily Star Radio Station?”

“Ten minutes give or take from here. What’s happened?” Roy questioned.

“Bloodsport and Livewire have taken the station hostage. Apparently just to play Livewire’s music. But we need someone down there to rescue the hostages and the Supermen are spread thin,” Black Lightning grimaced, “Can I count on you?”

Roy glanced over to Artemis before turning back to Black Lightning, “I’ll be there ASAP.”

“Good, Lightning out.” The video call closed.

“You sure about this Roy,” Artemis eyed him.

“Yeah, I need to do this,” Roy said while standing up, “But could you watch Lian?”

“Anytime,” Artemis said before hugging Roy, “Be safe.”

“Always,” Roy said while returning the hug.

Roy then pressed the button to reveal his suit from the wall. With a big grin on his face he turned to Lian, “Daddy needs to go beat up some bad guys, but Auntie Artemis will be here.”

In two minutes, Arsenal sped away from the town home on his motorcycle. With as much speed as his vehicle could muster, he headed toward the radio station.

---

Once the Supermen teleported into the Flash Museum, they landed immediately in the thick of battle. Longshadow grew in size as the rest of the heroes fought against the gorilla army to face Grodd and end his evil plan. Obsidian and Red Tornado fought against them too, smacking and blasting foes away using their powers.

Zatara had been training with the team during his duration of being a member of the Supermen. He had been a fairly new recruit not unlike the other members who have founded the group. While he may not be much of a help in terms of smacking enemies on the head, Zatara had other ways of helping the team. He extended a hand towards a group of gorillas charging at them, roaring as they bared both their fangs and large weapons that they'll probably use to bash their heads in.

"Tcerider ym seimene tsniaga hcae rehto!" Zatara chanted, causing the gorillas to float off the ground. The disgruntled group barked in fear and confusion before they were forcefully slammed against another group of gorillas with blasters. "Snopaew og moob!" He chanted again, this time causing the gorilla's blasters to overheat and explode on their faces, knocking them out for the duration of the fight.

The magician could hear Longshadow say that they needed to find the Flash fast. Before he could do anything though, Congorilla suddenly attacked back at the team, tearing Red Tornado in half before slamming Longshadow so hard that he landed on a river far from here.

With Congorilla basically turning on the heroes and with a bunch more gorillas coming into the fight, the Supermen will get completely overwhelmed in no time. Superman, the new one, was busy fighting with Gorilla Grodd and the other members of the team were absent. Even though they could spend all day fighting these gorillas, they needed to find Flash first so they can put an end to Grodd's evil plans for world domination.

Zatara stretched out a hand to a group of gorillas that were about to fire away at them. "Ym ymene si ruoy ymene. Thgif meht!" The gorilla's eyes glowed violet and entered a trance-like state due to Zatara's spell, slowly turning around to fire back at the other gorillas. A shadow loomed behind him and he managed to jump to the sides quickly as a gorilla slammed his weapon at the ground where Zatara used to be. He tried to chant but he couldn't focus due to the gorilla relentlessly attacking him.

"Og ot peels!" He managed to shout as the gorilla immediately fell to the ground and snored loudly in his sleep. He quickly approached the slumbering gorilla and put a hand on his forehead. "Wohs em eht S'hsalf eurt noitacol!" He chanted and through the gorilla's memories, he could see the Flash trapped in some sort of room. It seemed like there were also gorillas keeping guard of the hero's location while there were others who kept breaking Flash's legs to incapacitate him.

"Gah!" The sight made Zatara recoil in horror. He knew Gorilla Grodd was evil but he didn't expect the mind-controlling ape to be this twisted! Now that Zatara knew the Flash's location, he took it upon himself to save the hero. Before doing that, he turned to the majority of the gorillas charging at the Supermen and stretched his hands out to them. "Evaw fo rewop, kconk meht tuo!" By uttering the spell, Zatara released a violet wave of pure magical energy towards the gorillas, blasting them backward and knocking them unconscious to the ground.

"Etaerc a elbbub fo elbisivni ruomalg!" Zatara chanted, his body being surrounded by twinkling light until he was invisible to the naked eye. Now that he's hidden from sight, Zatara proceeded to go to where the Flash was being trapped in order to save him.

The most practical application of Nightwing’s abilities would be on the strategic level, operating from the shadows, providing intel and reconnaissance for the overall conflict. An important part, and generally ignored aspect by the JLA. Exiting the teleportation portal at a run Nightwing went directly into a combat roll, sliding behind an exhibit depicting several boomerangs and a crocodile Dundee hat. Besides the sounds of battle raging outside however there proved to be zero challenge to the Supermen’s’ direct line of reinforcement. Straightening up Nightwing scanned the surrounding memorabilia, hesitant despite the apparent lack of foes. “Getting sloppy Gordd, or did someone already take out your portal guard?” He inquired to the empty museum before making straight for the entrance. His confusion cleared when he spotted the unconscious pile of gorillas by the double doors, the product of Zatara’s efficient work. They were knocked out cold, and a few of them were groaning, no doubt suffering from minor concussions. Deftly Nightwing swept his fingers over the likely commander noting him for his different colored armor and enormous size. He probed the ape’s ears letting out a triumphant laugh when his efforts produced a communication device.

Screams resounded from outside followed by the unmistakable sounds of laser fire cutting off his short lived jubilation. Depositing the captured radio in a safe pouch Nightwing sprinted for the door only to be knocked down as the earth itself shook under a mighty impact. Windows and glass barriers shattered, sending broken glass and random exhibits tumbling across the museum floor. “Damn heavy hitters.” He muttered regaining his feet only to be sent tumbling from a second earthquake. Someone big just got absolutely rocked he summarized, picking a few stray pieces of glass from his armor. The momentary lull saw a renewal in the laser fire outside, fresh frightened screams rang in Nightwing’s ears as he sprinted to wall. Pressing his back against the structure he took a quick view of the outside situation.

The Supermen were hard pressed, despite the prevalence of superhumans the fighting spilled out in several directions. An unorganized mess of melee and magic and lasers, each hero operating separately of one another. Who led here? Surely the Supermen had a field command and were not relying exclusively on Black Lightning, who was managing at least two different situations from the Watch Tower. The Flash would be the logical choice, this being his home turf and him being the most experienced. Wally might not be the best choice for captain, but he would be managing them better than this. That awful twisting feeling in his gut Nightwing felt every time a friend’s status was unknown during a mission hit him hard, and he fought the urge to vomit. Wally knew how to take care of himself, he was the fastest man alive for crying out loud. He would be fine. Instead Nightwing focused on the mission at hand, most importantly the lone gorilla systematically working his way towards the masked vigilante’s hiding spot.

Wearing a brutish grin, the murderous beast gunned down several fleeing civilians, mocking the way they screamed and squirmed. So invested was he in his rampage the gorilla did not notice the concealed hero until the flashbang capsule exploded in his face. Blinded the ape released a terrible roar, firing wildly in all directions. Not wasting a second Nightwing leapt from his place of concealment preforming a handspring over the monster’s head delivering twin blows to the animal’s cranium using his batons. The gorilla sank, his laser gun going silent as Nightwing grabbed his head and pulled it down violently slamming his armored kneecap directly into the ape’s temple.

The crowd, shocked and slightly blinded by Nightwing’s flashbang themselves struggled to get a good look at the victorious hero. “W-who are you?” One frightened woman asked, shivering despite the day’s warmth. Nightwing did not answer, instead he grabbed the gun disassembling it and scattering the pieces.

“Get the injured and clear the area.” He ordered once he was sure the weapon could not be easily reassembled. When the people hesitated, he raised his voice to a very Batman-esque growl. “Go NOW!” Unfortunately, there was no way to secure the downed gorillas. The zip ties he used on human suspects would be useless, he would just have to hope the head trauma they received would be enough to keep them out of the fight. Drawing his grapple launcher Nightwing waited until the last of the civilians had scattered and went back to the task at hand. Swiftly he scaled the side of Marriott Resort conveniently located across the street from the Flash Museum. Seven years ago he’d been here as a civilian, staying in the fancy resort as Dick Grayson with his best friend Wally West. The two of them wanted to be the first ones through the doors of the museum during its grand opening. Wally, always the troublemaker got them in and out of enough mischief that they were nearly kicked out, but his friend had always been there ready and willing. Nightwing shook the memory away, now as not the time to worry about Wally. He needed to focus.

Every hundred feet he would unhook his grapple line and take a quick survey of the situation on the ground before scaling another length. The climb was like those he had done a thousand times before. Select target, fire, real in, release and repeat. Except even when he ran as Robin with Batman or the Titans, he would rarely attempt this during the day. He felt exposed and vulnerable against the building’s reflective glass. All it would take was one sharp eyed gorilla, and a single well-placed shot.

Surmounting the summit without incident Nightwing rolled onto the roof, laying flat to minimize his profile while he examined the ground situation more thoroughly. The battle raging between Longshadow and Congorilla explained the minor earth shakes he had experienced earlier, Grodd himself seemed to be distracting Superman, but even Nightwing’s bird eye view could only see a small part of the city. “Robin, do you read me?” Nightwing waited, before pressing the earpiece again repeating his request.

A short silence followed and then a slightly static. “Robin here, you’re coming through slightly garbled. Let me find a stronger signal.”

“It’s distance, these radios are good but…” He did not need to explain the sheer mileage involved between Central City and Gotham, even Batman’s radios began to suffer. “Listen, I’ve got a captured enemy communication device here, I’m going to transfer the signal to you. I need you to decrypt the voice lock and transfer the information to Black Lightning. This might be vital, and at the very least it will help us combat the enemy.”

Robin’s response was slow in coming, and even across several hundred miles Nightwing could hear the hesitation in his voice. “I-I’m not sure I can. That is more Oracle’s specialty…”

“Well, Oracle is not available and I’m in the field. So, you’ll have to do it.” Nightwing softened his tone. “You know how, you’ve been taught by the best.”

“Alright,” Nightwing could practically hear the renewed confidence flooding back. “I’ll get that done, fast as I can, anything else?”

“Negative, Nightwing out.” Now for the next item on the list. The vigilante turned his attention to the battle between Longshadow and Congrilla. The two goliaths caused the earth to tremble beneath them at every impact, but more curiously was why they fought in the first place. Patching himself through the Supermen’s communications Nightwing tried to hail the beleaguered Longshadow.

“Longshadow do you read me, this is Nigh-“ He pasued, would Longshadow know him as Nightwing? The hero mentally shrugged, who cared really? If the information got passed along what difference did it make? “This is Nightwing. What is the situation over there, is Congorilla under some sort of mental influence?”

"I don't think I'll be taking lessons in worth from a genius who uses their intelligence to enslave others and wage war against mankind." Kieran said before his eyes started to glow a deep dark red. Unfortunately Grodd wasn't someone who could be talked down. Despite his intelligence he still had that primitive instinct that respected force and authority over compromise. Two beams fired from his eyes and joined together before slicing the first car directly in half. Superman grabbed hold of both halves and rose into the air to avoid the other flying cars. "If you wanted to play monkey in the middle you could've just called me."

He launched both pieces of the car at Grodd one after the other. Despite his comedic front, Superman was actually angry. Grodd and his gorilla army were killing and terrorizing innocent people and for what? He hated that they were taking advantage of the chaos caused by the Doomsday incident. He was aware that some if not most of them were likely under Grodd's psychic or coerced control, but at the moment it didn't matter. Right now they were all enemies. But he had a plan that could change that.

Superman continued to dodge Grodd's onslaught of cars waiting for the right moment. The moment came between cars and he stopped in the air before pulling both of his arms back as far as he could. In an instant he clapped his hands together aiming down towards Grodd and his surrounding lackeys. What sounded like thunder could be heard reverberating throughout the city, but the further it went away from him the weaker it got intending not to burst the eardrums of the civilians and other heroes. He intended to knock them down, round them up, and get Grodd off balance in one fell swoop, but that was only the set up. Since this was the city of the Flashes he was going to take a play out of their book.

While they were still disoriented Superman flew in a circular formation around the cabal of apes. He continued to do so and a funnel started to develop. Grodd's abilities come from his brain, well his most tedious abilities. Without oxygen the brain can't function. And if Grodd's brain stopped functioning the minds of his mental prisoners will be free. His goal was to minimize casualties and that included only knocking the villainous gorilla unconscious.

Alba stretched luxuriously. The sun was shining through the slats in the shade. Muffled through the walls she could hear the sounds of the city buzzing with life. She allowed herself a few more moments before she rolled over to snag her phone.

Batman sightings in Gotham unsubstantiated

Alba made a small noise of annoyance in the back of her throat. With a few swipes she sent back her own message.

Had the thread been pulled?

Alba tossed the phone back down on the other side of the bed. With a groan she rolled out and onto her feet. It had been a late night. Very late. Four days ago Carol Ann had called her about the Pharmaceutical job she had been working. Maria had been found and the appropriate documents had been located. The police had moved in and placed the Johanna family into protective custody pending Samuel’s arraignment.

Hair damp Alba returned back to her bed room. Her phone was steadily blinking.

Tomorrow the Orchid will be in place

A small smile graced the woman’s face. Three days ago she had started packing after notifying all her clients. Sunrise Yoga was relocating. Rent was too expensive in Seattle. Today the moving company would be by and she’d finally make the leap. She looked back down at the message. Tomorrow her new life started. A nervous thrill settled in her gut as she pulled the sheets off her bed and tossed them in an open box.

Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl teleported to Central City with the other Supermen. Punching out Gorillas was better than being at work right now. Her boss Cat Grant asked for the most trivial things when there were more serious matters going on, and all she was concerned with was her coffee, and who Supergirl was dating... So many heroes were lost already, including her own cousin, the world couldn’t afford to possibly lose the Flash too.

Her first move upon arriving, was grabbing a nearby Gorilla, and throwing him against a wall. “You! Tell me where Flash is. Now!”

The Gorilla chuckled in her face. “As if I’d tell you that. Pathetic human.”

Kara crossed her arms, and eyes glowed red. “I guess you want to take a heat vision to the face. That can be arranged.”

The Gorilla scoffed. “Killing me won’t bring the information you’re looking for.”

“No, but it would certainly make me feel better.” Maybe that statement wasn’t entirely true, but she had to do something.



Longshadow had lost his concentration mid air. He couldn't crash into buildings in his giant form without doing untold amounts of property damage, so in a way losing his concentration helped revert him to his regular size. The backhand from the golden giant, Congorilla, had sent the Native American hero flying towards a nearby body of water separating Central and Keystone City. Growing in size once again, this time closer to fifty feet tall, the now soaking wet hero began trenching through the Missouri River back towards the action. Unlike using tech to communicate between teammates, the Neural Net of the Martian Manhunter was not effected by the water currently in the ears of Tye Longshadow.

“This is Nightwing. What is the situation over there, is Congorilla under some sort of mental influence?” asked the former Bat-sidekick through the 'Net.

"I'm making my way back to the action. Super Saiyan Donkey Kong just bitch-slapped me across town into the river. Grodd's forcing him to help protect his Speed Force Conductor, holding his family hostage..." Longshadow replied as part of the black S warpaint on his chest washed off in the water.

That's when the heroes finally caught a decent break. Obsidian and the invisible Zatara discovered the Flash and the group of gorillas breaking his legs regularly in a blocked off subway entrance not far from the large mechanical device. The close proximity must have made it easier for the Conductor to absorb the Speed Force energy constantly being used to try and heal Barry Allen's broken body. Slinking back into the shadows on the walls, the gay hero took down three of the gorillas guarding the Flash. When the other two left the red clad hero alone to find the dark avenger, the Flash was able to heal... but not completely. Bone spurs made it painful to move his legs at any speed but the Flash had an opening to escape after one of the gorillas tripped over something that couldn't be explained. However a loud thunder clap from outside rang through the ears of everyone within a mile radius and disoriented heroes, civilians, as well as the gorilla army. Zatara lost his train of thought and became visible once again after tripping the gorilla seconds earlier.

Outside as the would-be-Superman attempted one of the Flash's moves, the giant golden gorilla smacked the young hero into a nearby building almost damaging Grodd's device. Longshadow came in behind the furry giant and grappled with him, however Grodd had managed to make it to his machine. The gorilla despot pulled what looked like an energy cell or battery out of the device...

"I have what you asked for. Get me out of here." Grodd spoke before teleporting God knows where. And just as quickly as the battle began, it was over. The gorillas stood down, Congorilla shifted back to normal size, and the Flash (with the help of Obsidian) made it back to the misfit group of heroes.

Metropolis

Arsenal stood on the roof of the deli that sat next to the Daily Star Radio Station. He had managed to arrive before the cops had gotten there and sealed off the area. He made a note to ask Black Lightning how he got his information so fast. Arsenal himself had been scouting the area for a few minutes now, trying to figure out the position of the villains in the building. So far he hadn’t seen anything save the back of a hostage from a window on the west side of the building.

Arsenal’s brow furrowed as he planned how he was to enter the building. Quickly mentally going over what trick arrows he had brought, a plan formed that would probably work. The first step of the plan was to nock an electrical arrow and aim it at the power box on the side of the radio station. Arsenal quietly counted down from five before releasing the arrow. It hit the power box perfectly, sending a large volt of electricity throughout the building, surging the devices inside. Within two seconds all power had gone out in the building, the only light coming in from the windows.

Without wasting a second, Arsenal leaped across from the roof he was on and somersaulted through a window into the radio station, the shattering of glass announcing his arrival. Arsenal speedily got up and made his way silently through the darkness toward where he had seen the hostage. With the stealth of a ninja, Arsenal crept through the hallway, noting the sign that pointed toward the recording booth where the Daily Star DJs worked. As he got closer he heard a female voice stating that Robert should go check out the noise. Arsenal quickly recognized the voice as Livewire, also remembering that Bloodsport’s real name was Robert DuBois.

As Bloodsport walked over the hiding hero, Arsenal decided to risk it. With a mighty pounce Arsenal collided with Bloodsport, knocking the rifle he was holding to the floor. In the grapple Arsenal attempted to get a choke hold on the villain, his arms reaching around his neck. But Arsenal was surprised by the strength of Bloodsport, who managed to toss Arsenal off him, causing him to tumble down the hall. A second after that Bloodsport used his personal teleporter to summon another automatic rifle into his hands. Another second after that and he was spraying bullets all the way down the hall.

Arsenal somersaulted backward, barely avoiding the shots, as he retreated back into the darkness. Bloodsport continued to fire blindly down the hall, emptying his whole clip. Rather than reloading, Bloodsport tossed his rifle away and summoned a shotgun instead, and then slowly approached the darkness where Arsenal had disappeared into. As Bloodsport led himself through the darkness with his shotgun in front, Arsenal emerged from the shadows, a bola quickly leaving his hand. The balls and chord wrapped around Bloodsport’s hands, causing him to drop his shotgun and prevent him from summoning anymore guns.

Realizing the predicament he was in Bloodsport retreated, before calling out, “Hey Livewire, we’ve got a cape here!”

“I don’t wear a cape…” mumbled Arsenal as he charged Bloodsport, knocking him to the floor.

Livewire popped out of the recording booth, a feeling of anger very evident on her face, “Jesus! Do I have to handle everything myself?”

As Arsenal and Bloodsport wrestled on the floor, Livewire shot a blast of electricity, hitting both of them. The hero and the villain rolled off each other, wriggling in pain as electricity went up and down their bodies. Arsenal was initially surprised she would hit her co-villain, but then again she apparently did all this just to play her music.

Livewire charged another blast, but before she could fire it Arsenal tossed a throwing knife, the blade slicing her hand and causing her to lose focus. Before she could charge another, Arsenal fired a shock arrow at her, causing her electrical energy to surge throughout her body. The extra energy caused her head to go light and temporarily forget what she was doing.

Arsenal nocked another arrow pointed at Livewire, hoping to take her out quickly, but Bloodsport grabbed him from behind, somehow getting out of the bola restraints. Arsenal fell right onto the floor, dropping his bow. Bloodsport summoned a pistol into his hand, and pointed it at Arsenal’s head. With the speed of a world class athlete, Arsenal grabbed the gun with his hand and pushed it away from his head as it fired. The two of them both gripped the gun, trying to take control, but Bloodsport ultimately wrenched it away from Arsenal, slamming it down into his nose.

As blood spurted out of Arsenal’s now broken nose, he raised his head abruptly, butting right into Bloodsport’s face, shattering his nose as well. The temporarily stunned Bloodsport was pushed off by Arsenal just in time to see that Livewire had recovered and was preparing another blast. Arsenal nimbly grabbed his bow and dived out of the way of the blast, which hit Bloodsport square in the chest, causing him to spasm for a few seconds before collapsing unconscious.

Arsenal let loose another shock arrow at Livewire, causing her to overcharge once again. Throwing caution into the wind, Arsenal fired all the shock arrows he had at Livewire, hoping to charge her until she shutdown. As the last arrow collided with the villain, she formed an aura of blue lightning around her, singing the carpet and walls of the hallway. Random bursts of electricity blasted off her, scorching whatever it hit.

Realizing that this may have been a bad idea, Arsenal tried to recall the file the Supermen had on Livewire, wishing he had an encyclopedic knowledge of super-villains like Batman did. After a few seconds he recalled the time last year that Superman had defeated Livewire by throwing her into a water tower. While using water to defeat electricity seemed counterintuitive to Arsenal, he figured he should at least give it a try.

Spotting a water cooler further down the hallway, Arsenal dashed toward it, hoping that Livewire was still entranced by her surge of power. Just as Arsenal reached the water cooler, Livewire became aware of him, turning to face him with energy bolts ready. But Arsenal was quicker than her, tossing the water cooler at her as she fired her electricity.

The blasts caused the plastic water cooler to explode, spraying water all across the hallway. Before Livewire could fire another shot the water fell on her, diffusing her built up electrical energy. Arsenal laughed as Livewire tried in vain to summon electricity to fire at him.

“Looks like you’re out of juice,” Arsenal said as he nocked one more arrow.

Livewire just screamed in anger as the arrow, a boxing glove trick one, collided with her face, knocking her out cold. Pleased with himself Arsenal turned toward where Bloodsport had been lying, only to see him crawling away. With a quick nock of another boxing glove arrow, Arsenal fired into the back of Bloodsport’s head, causing him to collapse once more.

Satisfied that he had taken the villains out, Arsenal moved into the room where the hostages were being held. As he entered the lights turned back on as the backup generator activated. A quick scan of the room showed that no one was hurt thankfully. Outside the wail of sirens indicated that the police had finally arrived. Taking out a throwing knife, Arsenal cut the bonds on all the hostages.

“Thanks, er, Red Arrow?” questioned a balding man.

“It’s Arsenal.”

With that he leaped out the window, landing in an alleyway just out of the view of the police. Hopping back onto his motorcycle, Arsenal sped away from the crime scene, feeling pretty good about the first outing of Arsenal.

@King Kindred @Omega Man

Nightwing could not help but release an amused chortle as Longshadow delivered a response that would have given Alfred an aneurysm. If nothing else, the masked acrobat felt assured Longshadow’s wit and crass tongue survived the “bitch-slapping” he received from Congorilla. Granted, if anyone could weather a sucker punch from the oversized ape and came back spouting crude quips it would be Longshadow. Speaking of people who could survive the monumental impact the gorilla’s fist delivered, Superman came crashing through the Marriott. The living Kryptonian missile bit deep, sending shudders up and down the structure, shaking it to its core. The structure, to its engineer’s credit was well built, but Nightwing winced at the thought of numerous expensive rooms being destroyed by Kieran’s rapid passage. Hopefully, no one had been in the way.

“How’s the face Supes.” He joked through the radio, peering over the edge towards Superman’s entry point. He considered climbing down to check on his friend’s wellbeing directly. Superman might have been Kryptonian, but even the neigh unharmable alien race could suffer physical damage if hit hard enough, his friend’s predecessor was a painful reminder that even the Supers were not wholly invulnerable. Besides, Nightwing reflected it had been a long time since they’d met face to face, too long in fact. With the battle wrapping up after Grodd’s retreat Nightwing decided a quick reunion would do him good. Fastening his jump line to the building’s edge Nightwing leapt into open space, feeling the rush of adrenaline as the wind whipped playfully at his raven hair. He plummeted a good hundred feet, sprinting straight down along the glass panels he had only just scaled until the line ran short and his internal harnessed arrested his rapid descent. With only a few meters left to go the acrobat jumped out and swung back in releasing his jump line and preforming a practiced mid-air somersault landing lithe as cat on the shattered windowsill.

Uncertainty gripped Nightwing as he examined the building’s destroyed interior. Superman’s destructive path could not be summarized so easily. Like a bullet tumbling upon entry, it bore all the hallmarks of unsteady flight. Granted, the human form was not designed for neatly piercing a hotel wall. He blinked, trying to readjust his eyes to the dark, something must have killed the building’s power, leaving the masked hero little option but to call out a greeting into the shadows. “Superman, hello are you alright?” Even years of practice couldn’t keep the note of concern from Nightwing’s tone, as he searched for his friend amid the rubble. He knew it was unreasonable to be overly worried. One hit from Congorilla wouldn't down the newest man of steel, but Nightwing felt that all-too familiar clenching feeling in his gut. Not again, not again so soon. His constant fear for further loss gnawed at his nerves, driving him to ever greater efforts. Bitterly it reminded him of his last conversation with Bruce, the argument they shared and the heated words neither truly meant, and now they could never apologize for what was said. Breathe, he command himself, slowing his rapid heartbeat. Flash, Superman, they were all fine. They had to be. He just had to locate Kieran first and make sure.

Victory was well within their grasp, but Kieran failed to take in account Congorilla during his attack. He was disappointed in himself, but had little time to beat himself up about it while the hotel he crashed through did the job for him. He finally stopped but ended up under a pile of rubble. He could tell that he was fine and thankfully he hadn't hit anyone on his way down. He listened out around him for any weaknesses in the infrastructure before he forced himself out. He also spread his hearing out to listen to the battle outside. It sounded as if things were coming to an end. Both sides seemed to stop fighting and the one who started this mess had disappeared. Grodd continued to use others as pawns and left them to suffer the consequences. He couldn't stand it.

Superman's thoughts were interrupted from another sound coming from his ear. It was a familiar voice coming from the team communicator. He hadn't heard that voice in so long or seen the person it belonged to. Once he shook the initial surprise off he smiled to himself. Despite the loss they suffered today it was honestly good to know that he had a friend here to back him up. Especially with all eyes on him and the Supermen. "I guess it's about time I get out of here." Superman reached out his arm just slightly and pulled a piece of the rubble surrounding him inward. It caused the other pieces to collapse around him giving him room to move and escape. The rest of the building remained as intact as a building could be after it got hit with a living projectile. He'd definitely win at a game of Jenga.

Kieran noticed it was dark, but his eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness. He heard Dick's voice once again, but this time it was from within the building. He could detect the concern in his voice. It'd be best not to keep his friend and the others worried. He floated carefully through the hotel and made his way towards Grayson. When he reached him he finally called out in response to his first question. "I can't seem to find a mirror but I'm sure my face and I are as beautiful as ever." He couldn't make out exactly what he was wearing, but he could tell that it wasn't his Robin costume. It was dark and tactical, almost like----. He stopped the thought. He knew his friend couldn't read minds, but he knew he wouldn't appreciate the comparison, especially after recent events. "Let's get out of here and join the others. There's still a city worth of gorillas we have to figure out what to do with. We'll catch up after?"

Kieran waited for the answer, but then went on ahead of his friend. He already had an idea, but wasn't sure if the heroes, world, or the gorillas would accept it. The light was a wonderful sight for his not so sore eyes. The destruction that came with it, wasn't. There were casualties on both sides, but less so on the side of the unwilling army. The local authorities had managed to kill off a few, but ultimately they and the civilians who fell were no match for Grodd's vicious onslaught. If he and the other heroes hadn't shown up when they did who knows how much worse it could've gotten. He pushed those thoughts down and instead started to focus on the lives they did save and the ones he believed he was about to.

Three years could really change a person Nightwing realized. Meeting his long time friend face to face brought back a swirl of forgotten memories, as he compared the Superboy he knew, to the Superman standing before him now. A genuine smile forged itself across his features at Kieran’s upbeat response, not everything changed apparently, thankfully. The masked hero stepped aside allowing the other man to stride past.

“Yeah, definitely.” Nightwing hesitated, then making a executive decision extended an offer to the departing Super. “You should come to the cave afterwards, it will be like old times. And you ought to meet the soon to be newest member of the Titans anyway.” Batman would never have sanctioned an unnecessary visit to the cave. Oftentimes unless circumstance demanded no one but the Batman and his Robin entered, after all it was a mission center not a social hub. For a few years, even Nightwing was not exactly welcomed within its dark recesses, his merely tolerated. Seeing as the base had been solely occupied by Nightwing and Robin for the last few weeks however the acrobat saw no reason not to invite his friend over. Alfred certainly wouldn’t care, he might even enjoy playing the Butler to a guest again. His attempt at adding some sort of purpose to the blatant social call helped him justify it to himself at least. Kieran ought to meet Tim, and get to know the newest Robin.

Nightwing fired his grapple, swinging down the last hundred feet to land beside Grodd’s collection apparatus. Left nearly entirely intact after the gorilla’s unceremonious retreat, the machine posed to be the answer behind this attack, and the first step in identifying the maniac’s end goal. Besides, Nightwing could not contain his own burning curiosity which demanded to know how the device worked, and why. Ignoring the curious looks from the Supermen he inspected the empty battery compartment first. His fingers ran over the connection ports and wiring curiously before he moved on to the internal control panels. One glance at the intricate wiring beneath caused the acrobat to hiss in distaste. He snapped his fingers away, narrowly avoiding getting his digits doused in acidic fluid. “Acid wash, activated after the battery cell was removed. Clever ape destroying the software-“

“Maybe not just Grodd though.” Nightwing glanced behind him, grinning at the sight of an all to familiar scarlet speedster being supported by Obsidian approaching.

“There you are, I thought maybe you’d gotten lost or were late for the fight. How are holding up?” Nightwing jested, throwing a mock punch at the Flash’s shoulder. The speedster caught it easily, letting their knuckles brush.

“Great, never better honestly.” The speedster glanced down at his slightly mangled legs, wincing. “Maybe a little embarrassed for being caught.” He remedied at Nightwing’s unconvinced expression. “I think we ought’a be concerned about you though. What are you doing out, during the day? I thought you turned into a vampire? It would explain the new look.”

Nightwing rolled his eyes beneath the white lenses of his mask. “Harr, harr fleetfeet. Joking aside, what did you mean, maybe not just Grodd. Is there someone else involved?”
Obsidian and Flash glanced at one another. “From what we heard, yeah. I might be mistaken but… It almost sounded like he wasn’t just working with someone, but for someone. If you could believe it.”

“Grodd, a subordinate…” Nightwing frowned, his lips drawing into a thin line. “Unusual…”

“You’re telling me.” The Flash waffled for a second and shrugged. “I guess I could be wrong.”

The masked heroes pondered their conflicting knowledge of Grodd’s usual MO, and what was witnessed today. The violent attack in Central City all fit, the main outlier being no clear motive, and the malefactor gorilla’s apparent subordination.

“That’s a helluva case bro.” Nightwing clapped Flash on the shoulder, shaking his head as if giving up. “A real conundrum, good luck cracking it, but I gotta get back to Gotham. I have my own head scratchers to solve.”

“Thanks, a lot” the speedster moaned, knowing full well Nightwing was making a jab at his mediocre detective skills. Eager though he might be, Flash never had been the master sleuth that Nightwing was. “I think I’ll just offload this one to the Supermen, or better yet.” He gave Nightwing a sly wink. “My best bro could help me out?”

“You ought’a ask him then.”

The speedster’s face scrunched up under the mask. “Ah, c’mon man. You aren’t gonna make me beg and cry are you? You know I will, I have no shame.”

Holding up his hands in mock defeat Nightwing resisted the urge to continue their verbal duel. He knew Flash well enough, and the threat of begging and ululations to achieve his goals were not idle ones. A small crowd of civilians were gathering, and the masked vigilante was beginning to feel exposed under their collective gazes. A familiar sensation at constant odds with his natural affinity to the spotlight, built up over the years serving as Batman’s sidekick. Avoiding cameras and publicity at all costs to preserve his identity. There were already going to be rumors, and now that he’d been spotted helping the Supermen of America in Central it was only a matter of time before the villains noticed as well and put two and two together. “Alright, alright fine I’ll help you. Send any information you gather along with whatever data the tech genius back at the Tower manage to salvage from Grodd’s toy my way. I need to split back to Gotham.”

“What, to much sunshine for the vampire?”

Nightwing shot the scarlet runner a good natured glare. “Something like that fleetfeet. Heal up bro, and I’ll see you soon.” A nod and a wave later the masked vigilante vanished into a nearby alleyway, blending into the shadows where he belonged.

He ran through the city with the super steroid Venom coursing through his veins. Bricks fell from the edges of buildings as his giant feet took him from rooftop to rooftop. Once upon a time the behemoth broke the Batman. Now, weeks after an alien monster broke the Batman as well as his car, Bane has taken up the mask and cowl. Several of Batman’s longtime foes have been defeated and thrown into GCPD holding cells, including the Scarecrow, Scarface, and the Riddler. Police officers refusing to work with Bane were also thrown into the cells. His goons were wearing the colors of Batman’s sidekicks, and ‘patrolling’ the slums of Gotham. The city had seen better days.



Black Lightning greeted the heroes who returned to Outreach: 1. Several of the Supermen had personal quarters in the HQ, which made life much easier for some of them. Not everyone could work a day job and pay bills. Super-hero’ing was all that some of them had. Obsidian carried both halves of the android Red Tornado’s body with shadow constructs and Jefferson smirked. Tornado was always getting ripped to pieces. In a few days he’d be repaired and good as new. Longshadow approached the entrance and had an upset look on his face.

“What’s the matter, Tye?” Lightning asked putting his hand on the young man’s shoulder as he tried to just walk on by.

“Grodd got away… and Congorilla still doesn’t know where his wife and kid are being held. It just feels like no matter what we do… we’ll never be able to replace Superman…” Longshadow responded with his head down looking at the ground beneath them.

“Only six people lost their lives in Central City today, and you guys saved the Flash. It would have been a lot worse without the Supermen.” Black Lightning said, merely stating the facts.

“Yeah, I guess so… Grodd disappeared after putting the Flash’s lightning or whatever in a bottle.” Longshadow continued walking through the lobby of the HQ with the more experienced hero.

“The Flash calls it the Speed Force. I’m sure whatever Grodd wanted it for, it couldn’t have been good…” Lightning continued as they both walked towards the elevators.

“Nightwing had some theories. How’d the radio station thing go?” Tye asked as they both entered the elevator after the laughing Heckler stepped out talking to himself.

---

Zatara felt beat. Never did he realize he would be fighting armored, gun-slinging gorillas ever in his life but that was just he did, fighting armored, gun-slinging gorillas. He guessed he wouldn't be so surprised after all given the fact that the world was always just plain weird, he just didn't think much about it until he joined the Supermen of America which made him fight even weirder villains. Still, the benefits that came with being a superhero far outweigh the cons where one was the highly inevitable possibility of death.

Anyhow, he felt a little grumpy once the team made it back safely in HQ. There was no 'Gee Zatara, thanks so much for helping save the Flash! We wouldn't have found him without you!' or even a 'Your spells were so cool, Zatara! We're so glad to have you on our team!'. Instead, it seemed that everyone went back to their own personal stuff and life continued on per usual. On the other hand, it might make him seem like a douche for wanting attention after saving the day, but a little acknowledgment or two wouldn't hurt. Zatara just sighed and went back to his private quarters.

As soon as he entered, he threw himself on the bed and groaned loudly. His whole body was aching due to the fact that he wasn't working out as was instructed of him to be in top shape in every mission, so there were times where he had to catch his breath for a few minutes after running for a long time. He made a mental note on catching up on his stamina but for now, Zatara needed some rest before he got sent out on another exhausting mission.

He looked at his nightstand where a picture frame was. Shown was him when he was a child, his grandfather and namesake Zatara the First, and his deceased mother Zatanna. Zatara sat on the bed and took the frame in his hands, lovingly running his fingers along his mother's face and smiling wistfully at the memories he had with her. He wanted to try and find her despite feeling so tired, but his grandfather's words rang in his head:

'When you speak to the dead, ALL of them could hear you'.

Indeed, Zatara can see and even talk to the dead. It was a trait that he inherited from his father John Constantine who was never there for all of his life. The blond bastard didn't show up to any of his birthdays and he didn't even show up at Zatanna's funeral. Zatara hated that Constantine was not in his life yet he still had a connection to his 'beloved father'. They tried many different ways of removing his ability to see spirits but he would always regain the ability no matter what so they stopped trying. When Zatanna died, Zatara thought that his gift would let him see her once more but his grandfather adamantly refused, stating that what was dead MUST stay dead and that they should never interfere with the natural order of things or else chaos will ensue.

There were so many opportunities for Zatara to seek out his mother now that he's not under his grandfather's wing anymore but he didn't do it with respect to Zatara the First's wishes. Despite his ability, he never once saw Zatanna's spirit, not even a sliver or a shadow of her ghost. Either she already crossed over to the other side, she was hiding from him, or, Zatara hoped not, her soul was under the control of some demonic entity. The last one was a far-stretch, Zatara admitted that, but they lived in a world where gorillas could speak and aliens could destroy buildings in a single punch. Still, it's totally plausible that demons and angels don't even exist.

Right?

Alba huffed in exertion as she tugged over the weight stand. She pushed once then stepped back to look at the work she had done. It fit snugly in the corner with the straps and the mats. A satisfied smile crossed the woman’s face. A job well done. She snapped a quick picture and texted her mom.

All perfect~

Alba’s parents weren’t too happy with the move, but they were great in supporting her anyways. And tomorrow she would be officially open. Not that she had any clients yet. She rolled her shoulders to stretch out the muscles. Clients would come. She had a fierce Ad Campaign curtsey of one of her Seattle clients that she paid handsomely for. Sunrise Yoga was now in Gotham and going to do fine.

Alba cocked her head to the side with a frown. Had that been the front door? She turned and looked at the door to the main studio. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched two rather large men enter her space.

“I’m sorry.” Alba plastered a small professional smile on her face as she looked the their masks. Bane. A small part of her brain supplied. Carol Ann had sent her the dossier she had complied on the new ‘ruler’ of Gotham. “Sunrise isn’t open-“

Alba fell silent as one of the men produced a gun.

“Three-fifty.” One man on the left growled.

“I’m sorry?” Alba asked breathlessly. Her eyes fixed on the weapon. She knew that this step would take Black Orchid in a new direction. But it was another thing to be so effortlessly confronted with it.

"This is Bane's territory la chica." The man on the right shrugged in what appeared to be an apologetic manner. “We take care of our own. There’s dangerous men on the streets.” Righty took a step past lefty. He ran a hand over one of the floor length mirrors on the wall. “I’d hate to see anything happen to a new resident. It would give Gotham a bad reputation.”

Lefty snickered. Protection money. Alba nearly giggled herself. They were shaking her down for protection money. Not because they knew what she was up to.

“I—“ Alba licked her lips. “I don’t have that much. I just paid three months rent.” She didn’t have to fake her fear. If they shot her, super-strength or not, she’d die. “But I have a hundred bucks. Down payment?” She voice squeaked on the end.

Lefty’s chuckle turned into a full belly laugh. “Three-fifty.” The gun never wavered. Righty ‘tisked’ and pulled out a small cudgel.

“I can get some money from a friend tomorrow. I swear. Just,” Alba licked her lips again. “Don’t hurt me please.”

“Four hundred tomorrow.” Righty said. “And the hundred now.”

Alba nodded her head emphatically. She had no doubt the extra 150 dollars would go straight into the goon’s pockets. But she wasn’t going to complain. Or let on she had a whole lot more money at her disposal. She was a small, helpless shop owner. How did the others do it? Maybe they were all rich and never had to fake being really afraid. Or, not really have to fake it.

Alba’s hands shook as she pulled all her cash out of her wallet. Righty snatched it out of her hands before she could even count it. The two made more threats before they left. The door closing with a small whisper. Alba dropped her wallet on the ground and clenched she hands into fists. They wouldn’t stop shaking. She glared at them. She was far from the helpless, terrified girl she used to be. She was Black Orchid. Justice in the shadows.

Alba snorted. Oh god. Now she sounded like a loon. The snort turned into a laugh.

@NeverEnding @Dusty



Kieran decided to take Dick up on his offer and instead of following the other Supermen through the Zeta Tube he flew back home to Metropolis. He had to go change his clothes. Or at least put some on top of his costume. You never knew when you might have to run into a phone booth or a dark alley in Gotham. He picked out a casual outfit. He knew wearing a button down out there right now would make him look like an easy target. He didn't want to have to ruin anyone's day. He left his apartment and once the coast was clear he flew in the direction of Gotham. He landed near one of the rental car services near Gotham Airport and rented a car for the duration of the trip. He would've flown directly to the mansion, but he heard there had been some changes in Gotham ever since Batman's tragic car accident. Someone else had taken up the cowl and paraded muscle-brained thugs in Robin costumes. He wanted to check and see just how much the city had changed. Rumor had it that Bat-Bane had imprisoned a good number of Gotham's recurring criminal masterminds, but also took law and authority in his hands by locking away the police as well. If Gotham was lawless before it certainly was now.

As he drove through the city Kieran noticed that there was rarely anyone outside. He didn't blame them. With goons patrolling the street it wasn't exactly safe outside. Especially when those goons work for a villain playing at being a hero. Their moral compasses and the way they did things just wouldn't change up like that. Almost on cue his thoughts were proven to be right. He noticed a peculiar scene as he passed by a studio with the sign "Sunrise Yoga" over it. It was new and clearly not open yet, but there were two boorish individuals stepping outside. One was counting some money and the other was putting his gun away. Kieran sighed. He didn't expect to have to do this so soon after getting here. He pulled his car up just a bit and didn't even bother leaving it in park. It wouldn't take that long. He was out of costume and he didn't want anyone to see him and he felt it was pointless to do a quick change here.

While the two ere laughing and chatting amongst themselves he sped up behind them delivering quick chops to the back of their necks with his hand. He only put in enough power to knock them unconscious. Before they could completely fall to the ground he caught them with one arm while stripping them of their Robin-esque utility belts and found what he was looking for. He turned his attention towards the nearest lamppost and strung the two thuggish imposters up by their feet. He didn't have any spray paint on him so he improvised. He aimed his eyes at the ground and used his heat vision to create a masterpiece. When he was finished the hue of his eyes returned to normal and he admired his work. A perfect Batman Symbol. He took a picture of both the symbol and the tied up goons for good measure. "I'll also be taking this." He took the one hundred dollars they stole and in one quick burst ran inside Sunrise Yoga to place the money on top of the fallen wallet before returning to his car and making his escape.

He knew what he did was risky, but no one in Gotham outside of the Bat Family knew who Kieran Kent was, no one was currently on this stretch of the street, and he was sure he was fast enough to leave before the owner of the yoga studio saw him. He eventually found himself pulling up to Wayne Family Mansion. He was glad he had taken the scenic route. He was motivated now more than ever to help them take back their city. If only he could figure out what to do about Coast City.

When Kieran reached the gate he rolled down his window to speak into the speaker's microphone. "A Mr. Kent is here to see a Mr. Grayson." He knew Alfred rarely received guests and if they did it was even more rarely through the front gate.

"Ah, yes. We've been expecting you, Young Master Kent, but certainly not by car."

"You know me, Alfred. I prefer to do the unexpected. I'll see you when I get inside."

The gate opened immediately afterwards and he drove inside ready to see how much things have changed since he lived there. "Still feels a bit like home."