Avenging Justice 3:

To Infinity and Anti-Life

Part I

Six weeks after Doomsday…

Earth, Delaware, Metropolis

Weeks had passed since the world had become darker. From that darkness came those who fed on it, born from it. Still others arose, to fight the darkness. The fate of the world continued to play on. A Watcher bound to noninterference looked on, even as the Planewalker worked to keep outside forces from interfering. Powers from across different universes, other worlds and realities, looked on with hungry eyes.

A very prim looking man, with an accent that could be described as "haughty," sat across from a large screen. Images of destruction, crime and natural disasters played across the screen. The arrogance brimming of this man, was only off set by mock indignation at the events unfolding. Lindsey O'Bannon was not one to waste the opportunity. There were many opportunities in the last six weeks, and now he was leveraging his show to be the number one across the Western World.

"I'm just shocked, shocked I tell you," O'Bannon groaned out. "We lose our beloved superhero and what do we get? Imposters, and not even good ones. We have seen threat after threat come out of the winds, and each time they swoop in. Yet, do they save anything? No! They damage more property, they let people die and you, you the tax payer is paying for it all."

Nodding to one of the producers off camera, he had them play the angry mob track. Then he continued, "I hear you all. I'm sorry, my audience is usually more reserved, but they are just as angry about this. These government backed goons are busting up our cities, destroying our farmland and making our air space unsafe! What does the president do? Talks about thoughts and prayers. What do our leaders do, sit on their asses! We need real change, and that is where you my viewers come in.

I want you to send letters to your congressmen and senators, asking for their immediate resignations. Send your donations to the Truth In Government, a non-profit group that is giving a voice to those who can't be heard. They are backing real politicians, those willing to make real change and bring about peace and safety back to the country."

Another signal, and the producers switched to a clapping tack. O'Bannon got up, letting his face go red with outrage, "Too long we have been too soft on the Mutant menace, aliens among us, and freaks in tights. Now I know most of you are about to say, 'What about Superman?' Well, I'm here to tell you he did a lot great, but look at the damage his fight with Doomsday caused. No, we lost a good person, and I will not speak ill of the dead. The living are fair game, and we have these Avengers and Justice League. All of them not worth the air needed to speak their names.

A woman who claims to come from Greek myth and legend. Horseshit, that is what her story is. A man who runs really, really fast. Oooh, I'm so scared. That that green skinned alien, what does he care for any of us. I think he's a spy, ready to invade us at a moments notice. Those "Hawk" people, idiots with a bird fetish.

Of course, the Avengers, what a disgraceful lot. You've a one percenter with too much time on his hands, flying around with in a suit of armor. Then you have a robot who thinks he is alive, Pinocchio much? Oh, and of course we can't forget about the two Mutant terrorists that they let hang around. Yeah, like we're going to forget this Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver weren't running against our country's interests. Then you have the assassin, and a guy who uses a bow. Watcha going to do when an asteroid comes here, 'Hawkeye,' shoot it with your itty bitty arrows? Ignoramus."

The producer cut the tracks, hoping to give an air or intenseness, while starting the theme music for O'Bannon's show at fifteen percent. "You, those scared of all these unimaginable threats, I need you to donate. It is up to you to help our politicians pass laws that will make you safe. Not these clowns we have in Washington now, but those that are backed by Truth in Government. Together, we can make this country safe for everyone. No matter how you identify, where on the spectrum you fall, these people will protect you, fight for you."

He turned to the camera, making eye contact as if he were looking into the eyes of all his viewers, "You have the power to tell these Mutants, these "Heroes," that they are not above the law, that we do not fear them. They should fear us, and I plan to work with Truth in Government to pass the Superhero Registration act. These people with powers should be held accountable to our government, fight for our nation, and by loyal only to us. You should not fear living your lives, staying in your homes, just because some person gets powers. Vote for the act, pressure your elected officials to do so, and with this will come strength and security, you'll be safe.

I'm Lindsey O'Bannon, and I'll be telling you what the truth is tomorrow."

Across the city an exhausted Lois Lane sighed in frustration. Her existing report on the crime wave, and the possible hand of Luthor behind it, sat newly complete. Almost immediately she started typing up another, an editorial piece to counter O'Bannon's trash spew. She did this even though there was all possibility that Perry White wouldn't be running it. The Daily Planet was going through difficult financial pains currently. Perry was staring down having to fire a lot of people, all because their income was decreasing.

Unlike the crime spikes, this couldn't be blamed on the loss of Superman. The darkness creeping about her day, that could be. Every day, the sun seemed just a bit dimmer, and it got harder and harder to get out of bed. However, Clark would have wanted her to go on, to do her job. It wasn't the job she had to do, but what she was meant to do. He had told her that her doggedness, ability to ferret out the truth, was what made her special. He had such a corny way of looking at things, a way she was missing so terribly.

Lois wiped tears from her eyes, even as more threatened to come pouring out. Her phone rang, and she looked down. It was Cat Grant, and up till recently, she would have let it go to voice mail. However, Cat had become more bearable recently. Something about recent events had shown Lois a different side to the woman. So, she pushed the button on the screen to talk.

"Lois, how are you holding up?" Cat asked, not a hint of the jealousy that had been in her voice before. "I just saw that O'Bannon creep, I'm going to try to get a segment on my show tomorrow. We have to stop him."

Lois felt a small smile lift, and then fall, "I'm okay, Cat. I was just typing up an editorial."

"Good, get that over to my people," Cat interjected. "If Perry doesn't approve it, I'll just list it as anonymous and have one of my writers redo it. No offense Lois, but your sentence structure and word usage is a dead giveaway."

Lois nodded, "I appreciate that."

"Listen, Lois, we all miss him," Cat said. "You are not alone, if you need to talk, I'm here."

Lois wiped away more moisture, "I know. Thank you."

"Look, I've not always been the best," Cat said. "I'm sorry about that. I want to make up for it." She took a second, not hearing a response before she continued, "Have you heard anything from Clark?"

Lois felt a fresh stab of pain, "No, not yet. Listen, Cat, I need to go. Thank you though, we should talk. Later, I appreciate the effort."

Cat grant hung up, putting her phone down slowly. She just had to ask about Clark, Lois was going through enough, and she just had to ask about Clark. Running a hand through her hair, she silently chastised herself. No matter how much she tried to be better, she always seemed to screw up something. It was so much easier when she wasn't thinking about doing the right thing, and was just trying to rise up the ranks. However, this thought didn't last long.

Walking into her son's room, she saw symbols of heroes all around. There was Iron Man's mask, Captain America's shield, Batman's emblem, but above them all, Superman's shield. Her son had collected, made and set each one up. His eyes glowing when he'd put the finishing touches on, and she found her heart melting again just thinking about it. Even as that high of pride in her son, was washed over in pain at seeing him crying into his pillow. Nobody had taken the Doomsday Event lightly, but Superman had been "the Hero." How did one comfort a heartbroken child? She wished she knew for sure, but all she could do was try.

Earth, New York, Albany

The Flash raced up a building, catching two people plummeting to the ground below. Above, the sky was red as fire blazed on the top of the building. Also above was a crazed pyromaniac armed with a high-tech flame throwing unit. Firefly aimed at another rooftop, he needed to make enough of a mess to keep everyone busy. Then it would on to his next target, to the next people who had wronged him.

As if on cue, an explosion three buildings over sent shockwaves into the sky. From that building came a man surrounded by electricity, and dressed in green with yellow. His stylized masked looked stupid to Firefly, but then again, he wore a jetpack. Who was he to judge? Electro blasted off from the building, sending shocks out at a pursuing figure. Firefly recognized the pursuer as Hawkman, and he even saw what Electro didn't, Hawkgirl coming up on his rear.

Thinking that if Electro stayed a threat, he could escape easier, Firefly sent a glob of molten fire straight at the flying woman. This got the attention of Electro, who shot out at electricity at her, while moving to the left to avoid Hawkman. Meanwhile Firefly blasted off, his flame throwing unit setting up more buildings to burn. This was getting too easy!

Hawkgirl dodged the fireball, but received the full blast of Electro's shock attack. She spasmed and fought to regain enough control before she fell to the ground. She managed to slam into the side of a building, and then onto a nearby balcony. Pain erupted again, as not fully healed wounds reminded her of this fact. She cried out something uncharitable before trying to stand, and just making her feet. Her head swam, keeping her from leaping into the air for a moment.

Above Hawkman brought his spiked mace around to hit Electro, and found a bolt of energy coming at him. At his best, this would have been an easy dodge, but still recovering from the beating Doomsday had given him, not so much. He felt the searing pain enter his side, and all his nerves lit up all at once. In just seconds, he'd hit the street hard. Rage filled him, even as his body failed to respond. All he wanted to do was knock that smirk off Electro's face, and if he survived, he'd be doing just that and much worse.

"I've got you!" Wonder Woman launched from a roof top towards Electro. As she did so, she pulled out her lasso, and threw it towards Hawkman. She saw the loop wrap around his legs, and then she pulled up gently, holding the lasso in both hands. Landing, she levered her feet behind the raised portion of the rooftop. She prayed that the builders made this structure to last, as she ever so skillfully tried to change Hawkman's direction.

Thanks to her skill, she managed to change him from a straight fall, to a curving descent. Once he reached the bottom of the "pendulum," she pulled to have his direction change as he began to ascend thanks to momentum. Then twisting and pulled, she pulled his ascent to where he'd land on her rooftop. He'd feel the impact, but he'd be alive.

"Now as for you," she turned towards Electro, who looked amused. "I believe it is time for you to end this."

Electro smiled beneath his stylized mask, "Catch me if you can, then." He burst off at incredible speed.

Wonder Woman quickly checked on Hawkman, and then gave chase. He was alive, just in pain, but Electro was still a threat. In her ear, she heard Flash say he was following Firefly. Filing that away for later, she sped up her pursuit. Soon she got into lasso range, only for Electro to realize this. He started throwing bolts of electricity at her, which she dodged handedly. However, a wedding on a nearby rooftop gave him an edge.

Coming upon this, he started throwing bolts out, causing Wonder Woman to redirect or block these. What surprised him was that the electricity didn't seem to bother her as much as it had the others. He chalked it up to her being tougher than those hawk nincompoops. Still, he caused enough carnage, that Wonder Woman was not able to immediately follow. So, he took the opportunity to flee. Just to be sure she understood not to follow, he sent another bolt of energy, to weaken a rooftop water tower leg.

Moments later Electro was back in his hideout, and he turned on the television to watch the news coverage. He and the fire guy had made the news, and the even caught him giving the Wonder Chick so much grief. He was amused that she was able to save the water tower, but all he cared about, was that he got away. In a city without Spider-Man, he could get away with a lot. Maybe it was time to take a trip to Chicago or Las Vegas.

Behind him came a voice that caused him to go into fight or flight again, "You've caused enough trouble today, not it is time to take you away."

Electro turned to see Wonder Woman inside his hideout. He sent out a bolt of energy. She countered with her shield, force the energy back at him. She came at him with a speed that was more than impressive. Immediately Electro knew he had to get out. In here he could cause damage and chaos, but she could close the distance easier. Outside he'd have the edge.

Unfortunately for him, as he started towards the nearby window, Wonder Woman was waiting. He tried to distract her with more attacks, but she continued to block h is way. Electro pulled more energy into his next attack. Electricity brimmed through him, buzzed over the TV in the hideout, like a high voltage wire. With a flash of light he went forward, only for everything to shimmer and then he was somewhere else.

"You're welcome, you moron. Now, we have business to discuss," said the voice of a woman, one that had a unique lilt to it.

Back in Electro's hideout, Wonder Woman groaned in frustration. He had just disappeared, and she could almost smell the magic used to do it. Unlike the magic her people were used to, this one was just a little different. Each part of the world, each race that manipulated magic, brought a certain feel to it. If she was right, it was time to talk with Thor, see if any of his people might be helping the electric criminal. Now she just needed to figure out how to do that, without starting a war with Asgard. Should be simple enough….

Earth, S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier

Maria Hill watched as Nick Fury fielded demand after demand from the Council. Not for the first time, she was glad she didn't have the big seat. For the last hour they had been demanding answers from him about the activities of the Avengers, and a progress report on the Justice League's strength. Fury answered with his trademark directness, that revealed absolutely nothing he didn't want to. Something that she had learned to live with, and to rely on. If he was holding back what they didn't need to know, everything was going according to plan.

"Director, we want you to send out Solaris and Luna," one of the Council growled. "This is unacceptable! We shouldn't have these amateur's thrust upon us, not with our so called 'response team' available."

Fury held up his hand to stave off more words, "Currently Solaris and Luna are taking care of a N.E.O. and are unavailable. The League are onsite and are more than capable of capturing Firefly and Electro, despite their reduced numbers."

"Director, you sold us on this response team of yours, and now you blanche at sending them out?" another Councilor asked. "We have given them a wide latitude, but what are we getting out of this arrangement? Nearly destroyed New York, and a good chunk of Sokovia gone."

Fury scowled, "You have New York at all because of them. As for Sokovia, they destroyed the party behind it and one of their own is inactive over it. They also have chased Hydra around the globe, aided the Justice League in stopping several terrorist organizations and stood up to a world ending monster."

"Yes, but with Superman gone now," the second Councilor spoke again. "We can not afford to let this growing community to continue without oversight."

Fury held back several choice words, "The Sokovia Accords will only bring more strife and conflict. The reason the Avengers and Justice League work so well, is they are apart from any government. If we put limits on them, we unnecessarily restrict what they need to do. Then you'll see more Sokovias and Metropolises than you'll know what to do with."

"We shall see," the first Councilor grumbled out. "For now we'll watch and see, but not forever, Director."

The darkened faces disappeared, leaving Fury along. His one good eye moving about, his mind thinking already ten steps ahead. In his coat pocket, he twirled a vial, one of the upgrade serums. It had made Solaris and Luna, but he had held off giving it to others. There was wisdom in keeping a lid on this, not every person was a Steve Rogers.

He had the original notes, those form Dr. Erskine. The serum brought out more of the person. Give it to someone who was loyal, self-sacrificing and moral, you got a paragon. Have someone who is power hungry, hate filled and narcissistic, you get a Red Skull. They got lucky with Solaris and Luna, and those two were still learning. There would be growing pains, and Fury wanted to keep those pains to just two people.

"What's the next move, Director?" Maria came up, almost as on cue.

Fury shook his head, "People are scared, and they want security. Make bad decisions when they're scared, and the world is very scared right now. So, we're going to show them the world still spins. Pull up the feed to our newest recruits."