Black Canary blew air through her lips, taking one step after another as she strolled down one of the hallways of the Watchtower. Now that...that was the most unbelievable part.
She was standing, or walking, in perhaps what could be called...well, what could you call it? The Justice League had this status and to think she could find herself even close to it. She ran a flower shop, so who would ever believe this?
It was so surreal and that was saying a lot. That didn't even account for the view, which was spectacular. She had heard that to see the planet from orbit was an awe-inspiring sight, but even those words didn't even do it justice. This was coming from a vigilante that had witness some pretty horrible things in Gotham, so that was saying a lot.
She had been approached by Batman, who not so subtly told her about the tryouts. More shocking was that he thought she stood a good chance of getting in. Even now she wondered...why? The fight in Gotham was still important to her, so why was he recommending she go into orbit? There was a plan, maybe, but what it was, she couldn't wrap her mind around it, and it wasn't helped by the view either.
It was so distracting being in a space station like this.
Everything was so quiet—sterile, even. Who would have ever thought a flower girl could end up here, above, well, everything? Compared to everything else, could you say this wasn't the next logical step? And—wait.
Because everything was so quiet, that meant any sounds were easier to hear. That is, if you weren't too far in your own head to pay attention. Voices close by, echoing off the walls, there was someone up ahead and they weren't trying to be quiet. Black Canary slowed her pace, even if it meant that she did not stop walking altogether. She wondered what was going on up ahead and who was involved.
She had to remind herself that this wasn't Gotham, so not everything was some kind of cloak-and-dagger business. This was the Watchtower and the only people here were those the Justice League approved of themselves. Still...her own well-taught caution had her approach slowly, quietly, and…
"...been like a dream. I mean, five years ago, if you would have told me I'd be up here, I'd have told you you were out of your mind." A male voice, she identified.
"I know what you mean." Female there and with an accent no less. Not quite Spanish, but definitely close with what you would find south of the border. "They are all heroes and they believe that we may fight with them. It is an honor."
"We earned our places, Fire." Fire? Oh yes, the woman in green with...green hair. For some reason, Black Canary was having an issue connecting something as primal as fire with someone dressed in green. In Gotham, green either meant poison, or a head-scratching riddle. Hopefully, this time, green might mean something more than different types of insanity. "But if anyone has any doubts, I'm more than ready to show them how dumb that thought is."
Interesting sentiment and one the blonde could agree with. Seemed like some interesting gossip was happening. While she only eavesdropped on mobsters and other criminals, listening in on heroes was a break from the norm. Without hesitating, she strode into the sight of three of her fellow new recruits.
Ah, yeah, that was Firestorm, the guy with fire for hair. That's who Ice and Fire were chatting with. Faintly, she wondered how these three bumped into one another. "I think that's a fine way to see this," she called out.
At least two of the three jumped and the one who didn't might surprise you. There was a frown forming on Ice's face as the shorter blonde woman spotted the one in black. "Were you listening in on us?"
"Accident. Just happened to be walking by and overheard you." Turning her blue eyes to Fire, "Your friend is right, you know. If the League didn't think you were cut out for this, you wouldn't be here. You've proven to them you've earned your place. All you need to do is show the rest of the world why you earned it."
Fire gave a hesitant smile before nodding her head. "Thank you, um…"
"You're...Canary, right?" Ice picked up quickly, saving the crimefighter in green from what promised to be an awkward moment.
"Black Canary," she confirmed as she settled herself in front of the trio. "You're Ice, she's Fire, and you're Firestorm." Her eyes flickered to the only male there before returning to Ice. "I'm hearing a lot of elements here."
"Well, neither of us called ourselves Fire or Ice. They're Just shortened down because, heh, easier I guess," Ice replied, relaxing her posture.
Raising an eyebrow, "Oh? What did you used to call yourselves?
This prompted Ice to look away. In a tone that was soft, "Icemaiden."
"And I used the moniker Green Flame," Fire picked up, not the least bit embarrassed.
Ice's eyes swept over to the green-clad woman, "It was by chance we ran into one another and decided to team up. A lot of years and fights later and here we are."
So they had history with each other. It reminded the Gotham vigilante of the Birds, though, without whatever powers these two had. Obviously, there had to be fire and ice involved so it would be interesting how their team-up dynamic worked.
"So what about you?" This time, she directed her words to the only male here. Her eyes glanced up to the literal flames rising from his head. "You have an interesting story too?"
Firestorm shifted his weight from one leg to the other, then straightened his posture. "It's a long story. Way too long, way too complicated, and has a lot of science that even I don't fully understand. Well, part of me, at least. The other part is just bad at explaining it. But the simplest way I can explain is that it started during that first alien invasion with the Kalanorians. Got in a bad spot, happened to be in S.T.A.R. Labs, and like always, there's a science project nearby. Put two and two together and here I am."
That was a common story, wasn't it? Science project, or an experiment goes wrong, but hey, you have superpowers now. More often than not, the victims of these accidents tended to go bad in a horrible way, but right here was proof it could go the other way entirely. So what was different for Firestorm here compared to most everyone else?
However, Firestorm wasn't done talking yet. "After the aliens were beat back and the world was saved, I couldn't stop, you know? I now had this power," his head lowered, gaze on hands that clenched into fists, "and it would be a waste, to do nothing, you know? There was a lot of talking, back and forth, but then, then I saw a thing on the news. I had seen it before, a million times even. It meant something different this time, but it was another story about Superman saving the day. Helping people. Taking on disasters. That's when I knew. That's when I decided that's what I'm going to do with these powers. I was going to help people, then of course you run into some bad guys; you know the story."
Both Ice and Fire were nodding their heads. "It was the same for us. Superman happened to be doing something nearby, saving the day naturally, and it was inspiring," Ice said.
"He is an inspiration to everyone. Not just him, but the whole League," Fire added. Pale green eyes lowered to a hand. "We don't have to let bad things happen, not when we can do something about it. We have that power...and it is okay to use it. To help people. To save them. To stop the bad things."
Was it her, or was that nostalgia washing over her? Those words, they seemed to...resonate. Maybe that was because she had once had the same thoughts. Still had those thoughts. Because she too had power and she had seen what could be done with it, if used the right way. Then, to find others who thought the same way even though they didn't have the same kind of power, but were still willing to fight…
"What about you? What's your story? How'd you start your way?"
Black Canary blinked. Who asked those questions...didn't know, but they did interrupt the nostalgia only for a minute. Well, since they were sharing so much…
Making eye contact with the other three, she stated, "Batman saved me. He's why I'm here."
Three pairs of eyes blinked at her.
Guess she needed to elaborate. "It probably meant nothing to him at that time. I was walking home late one night. Gotham was beginning to stir again. There was a shake up with the crime families and the everyday crooks were getting bolder. A couple came after me. I knew what I could do, that I wasn't completely helpless...but I froze. I couldn't...act. Then...there he was. It was over as soon as it had begun and I saw him leave. It made me rethink a lot.
"But then things got so much worse. Gotham burned because of the Joker. And then, Batman left—" I died, "and everything took a turn for the worst. So there I was, able to do something and did nothing. But then came my turning point, I guess. It almost happened again, but this time, there was someone else to the rescue. Someone who followed his example, Batman's example. And if they could do it, I realized so could I; so then why wasn't I? I ran out of excuses by then. That's when I became who I am today. Because you don't need powers to do the right thing, or to help people, but it helps.
"However, that's when he returned. He didn't have to. He could have just...stayed away, enjoyed whatever life he had made for himself," ...I fell to my death… the Demon's Fang recovered my body… I was retrained to be one of their assassins…my memory was restored and I helped the League to put a stop to Ra's plan, "but he came back to continue the fight. And he kept doing it, no matter what was thrown his way. He kept fighting, keeps fighting, and never gives up. Batman is what made me into the woman I am today. He is the example I follow."
And the example she still followed.
The Midway City Museum was a secret gem within the United States. It had the premier Egyptian collection that many of the country's, if not the world's, museum community envied. Many tried to borrow exhibits, or even outright purchased them for their own collections, only to be rebuffed time and time again. Because of this, it remained criminally smaller than it should have been, a backlash from more prestigious institutions in a childish game of payback.
Felix Faust had an appreciation for the museum and that was why he didn't allow him and his comrades to blow open the doors and storm the building. Instead, he teleported them in, revealing themselves within a cloud of smoke and flames. The sudden appearance of him, Dr. Alchemy, and the Shade in the lobby stunned the museum goers, causing them to stare at them with startled expressions.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Faust called out as he held his hands out and above his head. "Pardon our interruption of your day, but we require your assistance."
The front doors glowed a brilliant blue before they slammed shut, locking themselves. Doors to the exhibits were also closed shut with deafening bangs. Dr. Alchemy raised up his Philosopher's stone and the velvet ropes that led up to the ticket counter flung themselves off of the poles that held them and towards the crowd. In midair they changed into chains and shackles, restraining each man, woman, and child.
That's when the screaming began. "Silence yourselves!" Faust ordered and the screams and shouts stopped immediately. The mage surveyed the scene before he spotted the security cameras.
"It would seem we have control of the lobby," Dr. Alchemy observed. "What of the exhibits?"
"You and Shade investigate them and apprehend whomever you find," Faust said. "If some escape, so be it. I do want you barring the emergency exits, however."
"Is this what we've been reduced to?" the Shade groused as he looked over their hostages. "Not too long ago we were gods. Don't you get the feeling we're being used as bait?"
Faust and Dr. Alchemy shared a look. It did seem that way as of recently. While it was a form of repayment for the restoration of their powers, such as it was, it did seem a step down from their original grand design. To Faust, it made sense why they would be put out front and center as their presence would assuredly spark an encounter with the Justice League. In due time, their debt would be repaid and they could return to more appropriate matters.
"It is an unfortunate circumstance," Faust admitted, "but we are beholden to these people for the time being. We would still be rotting in jail if it were not for them, powerless and feeble as these very people before us."
"And I'm certain we've done enough for them," Shade replied. "We caused some commotion for them and even laid out that trap for them. Unless they're going to use us in a better way, I'm all for looking for a better opportunity elsewhere."
"What the Shade says does have merit," Dr. Alchemy agreed.
"I do agree that we should consider the matter, but now is not the time," Faust responded. "For now, we must make do with the lot we have been given."
"All I'm saying is we need to reconsider some of these jobs," the Shade said as he began walking towards the sealed door to the exhibits. "The problem with being the bait is that eventually it gets eaten."
As much as the mage didn't want to admit it, that was a distinct possibility. Perhaps they needed to reconvene with their benefactor and try to persuade them to consider other strategies. Once again eyeing the security cameras, he murmured, "Patet audio."
The exhibit doors swung open as The Shade and Dr. Alchemy passed through. There were surprised shrieks before the two got to work. In the meantime, Faust turned his attention to the hostages. "Once again, I do apologize for this intrusion into your well-meaning plans. I am all for the attendance of facilities of learning. However, my associates and I require certain services that only you can provide. Sacrifices will be necessary of all parties, but once we are finished here, you will have helped us immensely."
That should be enough for now. Looking down at the floor, he admitted the tile work, the seal of the museum emblazoned in gold. It would be a shame to desecrate such a magnificent work of art for their current objective.
There had to be a better place for the binding circle. Turning his attention to the exhibits, it occurred to him there was an area that would be more ideal. A grim smile appeared on his face as he began walking to the open doors. He waved with one hand, a gesture to follow, before holding his arms behind his back. The prisoners all stood up in spite their own wills and began to follow him deeper into the museum.
Their shouts, screams, and begging would go ignored.
The alert came without warning. Batman had been in the lab, working on the tox screening of the sedative he had found, so upon hearing it, he headed right for the Monitor Room.
He was the third person there. J'onn and Superman had either beaten him there, or were the ones performing monitor duty. Silently, he walked up behind the men and looked up at the screen.
News reports were flashing across the main monitor, detailing a hostage situation at the Midway City Museum. Police had sealed off the area, forming a perimeter around the building and cordoning off foot traffic to law enforcement. News trucks formed another level beyond the police perimeter as reports sought out answers for the viewing public.
It was then that J'onn brought up a new window on the screen, clearly security footage to the museum itself. It was as this appeared that the doors to the Monitor Room opened and in stormed Green Lantern and Hawkgirl. "What's going on?" the dark-skinned man demanded.
Superman turned to answer him, but he must have caught sight of the vigilante from his peripheral vision as he suddenly jumped, jerking his head to look at him. Batman just returned a cool stare at him before looking back to the computer. Superman looked like he wanted to say something, but then thought better of it and addressed Lantern. "There appears to be a hostage situation in Midway. J'onn is hacking into the security footage to get us more info."
Hawkgirl only took a glance at what was on screen before the feathers on her wings bristled. "The museum," she damn near growled. "Who has the balls?"
The doors to the room opened again and a steady flow of heroes came pouring in. It wasn't a mob trying to cram in all at once, but two or three heroes entering mere seconds after the previous group. The Monitor Room was filling rapidly. "I believe we have our suspects," J'onn announced over the growing murmuring of the crowd, a hard edge to his voice.
Batman immediately recognized Felix Faust, the Shade, and Dr. Alchemy as they moved their hostages from one room of the museum to another. It appeared they were heading for a specific one if the footage was correct.
"You have to give them credit, these guys know how to stay busy," Flash quipped as he watched the monitor. "Any idea what they're up to?"
"More importantly, who's the strike team going down to stop them?" Green Lantern interjected.
Batman tilted his head to one side, enough so that he could glance at John Stewart from the corner of his eye. That was an odd choice of words and something about them didn't sit well with him.
His attention, though, returned to the large screen as it seemed the three Pantheon members had found the room they wanted as they gathered their hostages within it. Then Dr. Alchemy went about drawing a circle on the floor.
The moment he began making symbols, it began readily apparent what these three men were up to. "They're making a sacrificial circle," he announced.
"They're going to kill those people!" Hawkgirl shouted, shoving her way up to the computer console. "Those assholes are up to their old damn tricks again."
"They can't be allowed to perform the ceremony," Diana said. Again, Batman found himself glancing at a League teammate, though this one he was certain he knew what was going on. There was still a hint of fatigue in Diana's voice, a weariness that was never present.
"I think I've had enough of the Pantheon running amok," Superman responded.
"Damn straight," Hawkgirl agreed.
"I can see there's some bad blood here," Green Arrow suddenly spoke up, "and I get the feeling you guys seem to know what's about to happen. However, if I could interject, I think we need a plan going into this that doesn't just extend to showing up and beating people up."
"And you have that plan?" Green Lantern asked skeptically.
"He's not wrong," Batman said, not liking Stewert's tone. "The last two times we sent a team in, we were surprised by unexpected arrivals—Solomon Grundy the first time and then the reinforcements at the Keystone bank robberies. If we're sending a team in, we need to account not just for the Pantheon, but whomever is helping them."
Superman nodded. "I agree. We need to surround the building and then close in on the Pantheon. The faster we take them down, the less time they have for help to arrive."
Stewart stared at the two of them before he also nodded his agreement. "Who goes?"
"I am," Hawkgirl stated firmly. "That's my town and I am not going to let some power crazy nutjobs think they can move in and do whatever they want."
"If you're going in, I am too," Lantern said. This earned him a small smile from the Thanagarian.
"If they have someone like Grundy around, we're going to need me," Superman pointed out.
"And me," Diana added.
"No, not you," Batman interjected.
This caused several heads to whip towards him. "You're still recovering from what was done to you in Keystone. I can hear it in your voice."
"It would be wise if you remained out of this one," J'onn was quick to agree.
"And purposefully remove one of our stronger members?" John rebutted. "That's not a good idea."
"Which is why we expanded our ranks," Batman pointed out. "What was the point if all we do is send the original six out into the field?"
John looked as if he wanted to keep arguing, but a sigh from Diana cut him off. "As much as it pains me, Batman is right. I am not at one hundred percent and it would set a bad example to all if I pushed myself when not at full strength." Her agreement was a surprise, but it at least had the best outcome of staving off further argument. "Fortunately, I and some of the newer members have been performing teamwork exercises."
"And you want to send them?" Green Lantern asked skeptically.
"If it is power you want, Captain Atom should suffice," the Amazon replied. "And I think we do need to broaden our skillset. Vixen will help in that regard, the same with Fire."
"Well, if you want more skills, I can definitely help in that department," Flash volunteered.
"Then that's who's going," Superman declared. "We don't have much more time to debate this if we want to stop the Pantheon."
"I'll transport the team," Lantern then volunteered. "The transporter is still down and this way we can have a second team able to join with the Javelin should there be more of those metas hiding around."
That wasn't a bad idea. It also meant someone needed to get to work on repairing the transporter. "Go then. J'onn, stay and monitor the situation. If a second team is needed, you'll lead it with whomever you deem necessary."
Superman and his team were already leaving the room, leaving all those that hadn't volunteered, or weren't volunteered behind. "And what will you do?" the Martian asked.
"I'll be working on the teleporter to see if I can fix it. We can't leave it in its current state any longer. If you're able to work on it from a software standpoint, by all means."
With that, Batman took his leave. He could feel the others' eyes on him as he left, but that wasn't a new experience. People seemed to want to watch him wherever he went.
The plan was simple as it was direct.
Superman hovered over the Midway City Museum, Captain Atom at his side. Green Lantern had volunteered him and Hawkgirl to go through the front, purposefully drawing attention onto them. That left Flash with Vixen and Fire, the three ready to go in through the back.
There had been some discussion on that last time. With Flash's speed, it was clear he could leave the two women in the dust. Vixen had taken that as a challenge, eyeing the speedster as she claimed she could keep up with him. Superman wondered what animal she would pick that would allow her the same speed as the speedster. Cheetah was the first animal to come to mind, but maybe she had another one in mind. Still, that left Fire, to bring up their rear.
With the Pantheon and whomever was helping them, they didn't want to take the chance of them getting separated. Flash would need to keep his speed in check so that they didn't leave anyone behind.
"Is everyone in position?" Superman hailed over the comm link.
"That's affirmative," Green Lantern responded immediately.
"Team Flash is raring to go, Supes," Flash replied. "We're all waiting on you."
Superman glanced to his own partner. "You ready for this?"
"I'm ready when you are," the military man told him.
Then it seemed like he was the one holding everyone up. "All teams, you have the green light. Breach."
From where he floated, he saw a flash of green at the front of the museum, clearly John using his ring to force his way in. A look to the back and he also saw another flash of green. He wasn't quite sure what that was about, perhaps one of the women with Flash using their power.
As for him and Captain Atom, their entrance would be simple, if not extremely direct.
Superman plunged downward, leading feet first. Captain Atom followed right behind him, keeping the same stance as he did. They dropped through the air, picking up speed, the museum rushing up to them.
The moment Superman's feet hit the roof, it crumbled beneath the force in which he hit it. Chucks of debris rained down into the building as he passed through the hole he had just created. He stopped his descent, hovering in midair within a large exhibit he found himself in. Immediately, he called upon his X-ray Vision and began searching the building for the Pantheon and their hostages.
He found them in a room two away from his current one. "All teams, Pantheon is in a room towards the south side of the building," he announced over the comm link. He then took off towards a doorway that led in that direction, Captain Atom following.
They went through the doorway, staying in air as they quickly went through another exhibit, heading for yet another doorway. This one was closed, not that Superman was going to let that stop him. He rammed into it with his shoulder, the doors giving away instantly, shattering into pieces.
That's when he came to a stop.
There stood the Pantheon, one of their sacrificial circles decorating the center of the room. Whatever exhibit that had been here, everything had been moved to the walls, clearing a large space for them to work. Towards one corner was a herd of hostages, many that looked fearful while others suddenly look relieved at the sight of the Man of Steel.
Shortly thereafter, a wall detonated about midway up it. Chunks of cement and sheetrock was sent throughout the room, some of which actually hit a couple cases that contained historic artifacts, cracking the glass. There were some cries from the hostages as they flinched from the detonation. John and Hawkgirl soon emerged from the hole, looking quite menacing.
"Nice entrance," the Shade complimented as he raised a hand up to push up the brim of his top hat. "Though I'd be careful if I were you. Some of the stuff here is priceless."
"So is the jail cell you're about to go back into," John shot back sternly.
"GL, you might want to leave the quips to me," came a cheerier voice. Heads turned and over by another doorway stood the Flash, leaning his back against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest. A few moments later, Vixen appeared, giving the speedster an incredulous look before she regained her coolness and looked at the Pantheon impassively. Fire arrived shortly after, burning with green flames. Superman no longer saw the Brazilian features of the green-haired woman, instead her entire body was green, her hair literal green flames. Burst of smaller flames would appear at random parts of her body, licking at the air before receding back.
Well, that explained the green flash Superman had seen just before their breach.
"Pantheon," Superman called out then. "We have you surrounded. Give yourselves up now and no one has to get hurt."
Felix Faust shared a look with his fellow former gods. The look was bemused, if the Kryptonian had to call it anything. "That is quite a tempting offer, would you not agree?"
"About as tempting as an enema," Shade retorted.
"It would be a shame to allow all of our work to go unfulfilled," Dr. Alchemy pointed out. "We have the circle in place and more than enough sacrifices."
"What on Earth makes you think we're going to allow you to pull that crap you did in Gotham again?" Hawkgirl questioned pointedly. "This ends today. You're going to jail; these people are going to their homes; and the only people that get hurt is you if you keep this up."
"That's cute," the Shade said. "Because the last I checked, we could handle all of you on our own."
"I'd like to see you try and handle me," Vixen challenged.
"There appears to be new players," Faust observed. "Far be it for us not to introduce our own."
The mage then waved a hand, mystical energy enveloping it in response. A swirling portal erupted in front of the gathered hostages, hiding them from sight. The swirling purple, blue, and yellow was almost hypnotic.
Then someone emerged from it. Make that several someones. Immediately, Superman caught sight of Metallo and Silver Banshee. Volcana too. The others he wasn't familiar with, but there were several of them, like a woman that glowed violet and had a glowing gem at the forehead of her mask, and a man made of metal, but wore combat fatigues.
"I hope you don't mind if we join the fun," Metallo announced, his eyes focused right on the Kryptonian. "You aren't the only ones with new friends."
"Metallo," Superman said, eyes darting from a familiar face to a new face and back. "What are you doing here? Why are you with the Pantheon?"
"The Pantheon?" Volcana snorted. "They really call themselves that?"
"Now, now, this isn't the time for snide remarks and bickering," Metallo chided. "They are brothers-in-arms with us now. You may forget that name, Superman, for before you stand not some rabble of miscreants. Before you stands the Legion of Doom."