Recommended Background Music

[1] Wreak Havoc - Skylar Grey

[2] Ratism - John Murphy


Chapter 19 - The Suicide Squad VS Starro

As the squad received all the information they need to know about where Starro appears to be going and what his infected hosts are doing, they all start to pick up speed before breaking into a run. Planning helps with deciding how they can take down Starro properly - especially for those in Team A since they didn't have a plan when on the beach - but they have to catch up before Starro thoroughly kill every single last civilian on Corto Maltese. [1]

It is when Harley pulls up one of her boots that prompts the others to start running. Starro is not too far ahead, raging through buildings as he goes. Several people nearby are making a run for it, hopefully to somewhere safely. As the squad try to catch up, Javelin, T.D.K and Weasel split up to head over to where the infected soldiers are shooting at other innocent people Starro can't reach.

Once Bloodsport's group turn around the corner to face Starro, they found him stomping on several people, turning them into nothing but puddles of blood. Hearing cries from a nearby apartment, his attention shifts to them. This seems to increase his temper, letting out his rage by trying to smash right into that apartment.

In that apartment, a lot of innocent people are trying to get out, feeling the rumbles of the angry starfish. They all manage to get down to the ground level, but there are some who trip down the stairs and ended up getting injured themselves. At this rate, there would be too many people needed to be brought out before the whole apartment collapse on them.

"Boomerang!" ordered Bloodsport as he takes out a few parts. "Follow my lead! Ratcatcher! Get those people out of there on my signal."

He starts assembling his gun, making sure that it is going to big enough to fire ammo right at Starro. Though, it takes a good 30 seconds to slap every piece on and watch them form quickly to take place. Once all of them are connected to each other and checking that the special barrel is spinning, he holds it high and fires his big rifle.

One large projectile and it explodes in red sparks once it hits Starro. He fires again as he and his squad come closer. While it doesn't do significant damage to Starro, it seems to be distracting him as his attention is off the apartment.

Boomerang cackles, stepping next to Bloodsport. He starts swinging his boomerangs right at Starro, aiming more at the legs. While it barely leaves a scratch, it seems to irritate the giant starfish more. Especially when one of his boomerangs bounce off his eye!

Seeing this, Ratcatcher II quickly runs to the apartment, making sure not to get stomped on.

Through Starro's eye, he is beyond PISSED. These people just saved him and are they actually come back at him just to destroy him?! Can't they just let him do his wrath in peace?! He spared their lives and that isn't enough for them?! These are the people who are possibly the nicest towards him. But they are acting like the same as Grieves. They are acting the same as Corto Maltese.

They are all looking out for themselves.

He swings one of his appendages towards Bloodsport, causing the rest of the squad to run back. Bloodsport makes a run, rolling on the floor as Starro nearly tries to toss him upwards.

However, Boomerang is too busy throwing his boomerangs around at Starro, dodging and rolling around to avoid being squashed. It is clear that he is having the time of his life, making a lot of karate-esque sounds in glee as he teases the giant starfish.

"Over here!" yelled the Australian as he hops around like a rabbit. "One big hunky piece of fresh Australian arse coming right up! Or maybe you're too deep in the ocean to grab one! Get it? Deep in the ocean?"

The lame joke just seems to anger Starro more as he tries sweeping the dirt around them. Pieces of the road, concrete and cars went flying all over Boomerang, nearly hitting him. However, he doesn't seem to try to get out of it and instead come right closer to Starro. Eventually, he leaps onto the leg appendage of Starro, hugging it tightly.

With a much closer range, he lifts up his boomerangs and stabs it right into Starro as hard as he can.

The stab wound is as small as a mouse bite for the giant starfish, but Starro feels this and tries thrashing his legs up and down. Boomerang nearly lost grip as he feels the leg thrashing and stomping around. After a few seconds, he realizes that he somehow glues himself to it upon blessed with a good grip.

"You'll never touch me!" he sang. "You'll never touch me! You'll never touch me!"

Fed-up, Starro did the most logical thing. Falling right onto his back.

"SHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-!"

SPLAT!

Fortunately, Starro crashing onto the ground isn't that hard as him slamming to the ground. By the time Starro gets up, a bugged-eyed, flattened Boomerang is lying there on the ground in a hole with the same shape as his body.

"I-Is he always that reckless?" whispered Polka-Dot Man.

Harley shrugs. "He…wasn't like that the last time we went on a mission together."

Back at the apartment, Ratcatcher II manages to lead a whole bunch of people out from the apartment. Upon seeing her and Starro distracted, she leads them to quickly run out before the starfish giant goes back to attacking them. She even goes out of her way to even help those who are injured, calling for others to pick them up.

She is grateful that the people didn't mind the rats she use to search around the apartment. Since this situation can be unpredictable, the rats quickly go through every level to search for anyone else who is left up there alone. Fortunately, it seems that the apartment is now completely empty, so that means these people are safe.

As she gets a group of four people to help a woman with a broken leg right onto a stretcher, one of them turn around to Ratcatcher II with a grateful smile.

"A-Are you a superhero?" they asked in a heavy accent, seemingly cracking.

Ratcatcher II isn't sure how to respond to this. She isn't exactly one.

All she can say is this, "Just a hero."

The person smiles before helping the others carry the stretcher away. "Thank you for helping us."

Ratcatcher II stands there for a while to drink the moment. However, she gets her head back into the game when she sees a groaning Boomerang getting back onto his feet and Starro letting out a mighty roar. She realizes that she did something good for once with her rats! While they did help her with the squad on their missions, this time, it feels more like an honorable feat instead of being used like a weapon by the American government!

This might be the path of becoming a superhero of her own! [1s]

As the squad regroup, they spot a huge army of infected people, slowly waddling towards them. It comes to them that even if they manage to stop Starro, a lot of people are dead since they are nearly too late from saving lives. With this massive number of hosts, they have no idea if they'll be able to face against them as well. Not to mention if Starro can control these people to turn their weapons on themselves.

Bloodsport has an idea, but they have one shot at this.

"Harley, take the high ground!" he instructed.

Harley doesn't need further explanation, already knowing what to do with the javelin in hand. She looks back at Boomerang and he gives her a nod of approval. Immediately, she makes her way to start climbing up an apartment, jumping from balcony to balcony. Maybe because of how much training she had and roller-skating tournaments she went to allow her to jump higher like a metahuman.


Bringing along Weasel is a strange choice for T.D.K and Javelin. They consider that they should just pick Boomerang instead and let Weasel handle a giant starfish monster. After all, Weasel is an animal, so it should be fair for him to fight a starfish rather than trying to chew every last gun on the infected soldiers. But things are already changing fast and King Shark already has the perfect body type and indestructibility to face off a giant alien. [1]

As they turn around the corner upon their mission coordinators instructing them where Starro is able to control faraway hosts, they came to a sight that they never imagine happening. They would have been more prepared for this since they did come across large bodies of corpses they mauled through during the past few days.

Instead, it is of people.

Innocent people who aren't wearing military clothes.

The street is littered with bodies, motionless. A small amount of them appears to be still holding onto life, but the way they are moaning or screaming softly and the blood they are choking out show that they won't be able to survive. Blood is smeared on the floor and walls, even on the Starro-latched soldiers who are looking around for more to shoot at. What makes this completely scary is that all of them have their eyes opened with a glassy look.

This is worse than the massacres they did on the Corto Maltese army!

T.D.K and Javelin feel sick to the stomach, the former upset to see the deaths of innocents and the latter horrified by the reckless decision Starro made. Even Weasel is shocked to see this, scared of what he is seeing. But the way his jaw drops is not like how he cowers away. They may be 'villains', but that doesn't mean they want a bloodbath like this. Not lashing out at everyone!

They have to find whoever is still in this section and save them. Fast!

A loud scream fills the air as the soldier let out a banshee screech and fire at their next target. T.D.K flinches, starting to feel bad for needing to rely on guns. Javelin growls to himself, his hand gripping tightly on one of his mini javelins. Across the street, he found someone hiding in one of the abandoned stores.

There are a group of three children huddled together in fear. They keep peeking over the window, trying to find a way to escape from those crazy soldiers shooting at everyone suddenly. However, they can't run out in the open with those guns shooting at them.

"OK," said T.D.K. "What's the plan?"

"I'll climb up right to the top of the roof and I'll distract them," whispered Javelin. "You go in and save those kids."

"What? I want to go there and distract them! I want to take their guns!"

"No, if my memory serves me right, you will get your arms shot once again."

T.D.K grits his teeth, remembering what happened before. "OK, that's true. But how many javelins of your own do you have? Do you even have enough?"

"Oh, you underestimate how resourceful I can be," said Javelin, stroking his utility belt in a suggestive way. "I never go anywhere without my javelins."

"But if we can take those guns, then we'll have enough bullets to take them down!"

"I don't know about that. They run out pretty quickly and you won't be able to hit all of them down. Me out there trying spears at them might provide a longer distraction since they would be trying to shoot me. All while I display my best acrobatic skills."

"You're just…trying to show off?" questioned T.D.K incredulously.

"We can't be too serious here. Besides, admit it, seeing those starfish is worth a chuckle."

T.D.K silently looks to the side to find a person trying to crawl off while holding onto his butt. It looks like he has a hole in one of his buttocks as seen by the bloodied hand he is using to cover it up.

"Well, a bunch of people dying is worth a chuckle," deadpanned T.D.K.

"Anyway, you'll have a much bigger chance of surviving out there. I may not. I'll keep them long enough so that if there are any reinforcements, they'll all be busy so that you can get the kids to safety. I think that's the kind of good plan. What do you think might be the success rate right there?"

"Uh…I don't know. 32.3 per cent of success AND survival.

Javelin shrugs. "We've seen worse than what we usually ran into. Do you think we're ready-?"

"UUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!"

All of a sudden, an impatient Weasel let out a loud battle cry before rushing in at the infected soldiers. Despite all of them being controlled by Starro, his shared consciousness through all of them is bewildered by the sight of a charging anthropomorphic weasel about to shred them to pieces. They are too dumbfounded that they fail Weasel landing a single punch on one of them before chewing the starfish AND the face of the soldier he got onto.

"...oh my goodness, he just ran in," said Javelin blankly.

"Erm…save him! Save him!" shrieked T.D.K.

"OK, OK! Let's go! Stick to the plan!"

"Damn it, Weasel!"

Javelin rushes off to save the now-crazy Weasel as he claws right through the infected soldiers. It seems to be huge character development for Weasel. At first, he is a bit of a liability and not even all there to understand…well, anything! But it seems that starting to see the seriousness of the mission and that he has to avenge Savant from anything, Weasel is going all-out. He would have been gunned down until Javelin tosses one of his spears right into one of the starfishes' eyeball.

It becomes an intense fight that is going sideways for the infected soldiers. Despite how many Starro is throwing at them, Javelin uses cover much more properly this time, peeking up to throw a mini javelin as the soldiers try to shoot everywhere. Meanwhile, Weasel is on the offense, slashing through his victims while making sure to use quick speed to dodge the incoming bullets.

Upon seeing that most of the infected soldiers around are distracted, T.D.K makes his way out from hiding and runs across the street. Reaching the store, he kicks the door open and removes his helmet to show a friendly face.

"C'mon, everyone!" he said. "Let's keep things going!"

The three kids cheer upon seeing a savior coming to rescue them. As T.D.K leads them out, he is right on time to see Javelin and a bloodied Weasel.

"No offense, Weasel," muttered T.D.K. "But you're stupid as hell."

Weasel doesn't seem to get the message, taking it as a compliment. He grins, but that only makes him look creepier due his bloodstained teeth.

Immediately, T.D.K shields the three kids' eyes. Though, one of them moved his hand out of the way to see.

"¡Enfriar!" said the child.

"No, it's not 'enfriar'!" said T.D.K, praying that the kids don't see Weasel in their dreams.

"We better go right now," said Javelin, rolling his shoulders. "Before that starfish sends any more in."

As if on cue, they can hear screeching from far. One soldier with a starfish attached to her head appears around the corner, trying to fire her gun. However, she can't get a clear shot due to the gun being too heavy for her, allowing T.D.K, Javelin and Weasel a clean escape with the three children. [1s]


Meanwhile, Bloodsport tries to figure out what can be the next move as the infected crawl towards the squad and Starro resumes slamming his appendages into the apartment nearby him. Harley is already on her way to get to the top of the building, but they would need something to make sure that Starro stays in place.

He looks to the side to find that Polka-Dot Man has taken cover behind a headlight. Behind him, King Shark is just wandering off. Captain Boomerang and Ratcatcher II are too far away for them to hear Bloodsport.

The mercenary has an idea.

"Nanaue!" instructed Bloodsport. Monster is nom nom!

King Shark looks up at Starro, curious about it. He actually never gets to chew on starfish before, yet even get to taste the flesh of a giant alien monster. Seeing it makes it actually look tasty, but it appears tasty. So tasty to feast since this is someone they are up against.

"Monster nom nom?" he babbled.

"Yes!" said Bloodsport, trying to not sound annoyed. "Wait until my signal! Abner! Do you see who that is?!"

Polka-Dot Man opens his eyes. Confused, he looks back at Starro, wondering who Bloodsport is talking.

"Huh?!"

"IT'S YOUR MUM!" yelled Bloodsport as loudly (and high-pitched) as he can.

Polka-Dot Man looks back at Starro. This time, that influence causes him to actually imagine his mother there. Oh good lord…

Right in Starro's place is his mother. As a giant. Smashing buildings with a melodramatic look on her face as she swings her fists at the apartment. Alongside the flower yellow dress that really stands out from how she usually wears, she looks like a baby throwing a tantrum for losing to a crane game.

Seeing this ignites something in him.

It isn't fear as he slowly steps out onto the road. No, it is actually anger. Hallucinating his mother again is always a sign that things are going to turn bad for him. He is tired and sick of thinking like this. He is tired of his guilt forcing him to see her everywhere. He is tired of remembering that she was the reason why he turned out to be pathetic. He is done being treated poorly like a joke.

If he is going down, then he is going to inflict all of his pent-up anger onto someone first. Someone who really deserves it. In a way, Starro does deserve it, but now is not the time! He is hurting people! Seeing his mother being Starro just makes Polka-Dot Man madder at her for seemingly being responsible for so many deaths. Just like how she killed his brothers and sisters.

Unlocking his gauntlets and with a cry of rage, Polka-Dot Man shoots out rainbow polka dots right at Starro's leg. In his mind, it is a gory sight as his mother's leg is entirely dissolving with blood and bones dripping everywhere. As the giant fell down on 'her knee', the visage of his mother lets out a loud deep scream of agony, lifting her head to the sky to let everyone know.

The crowd of Starro's hosts also scream in pain, clutching onto their legs.

"NOW!" yelled Bloodsport.

Catching on this, King Shark runs forwards and leaps upwards to grab onto Starro's 'arm'. With a good grip onto it, he begins biting into it, tearing the pink and blue outer skin he can reach towards. The giant starfish lets out another roar of agony, trying to move his other arm to grab King Shark.

That is when Polka-Dot Man blasts the other leg. He isn't imagining his mother there, but his new-found determination allows him to get the job done. He is doing this to help his friends. To save the world. And to protect those who are still alive. This is all to defy how his mother tried to make him like a traditional hero.

Starro lets out another screech, feeling the pain of both of his legs lost and King Shark nibbling on his arm. This is way worse than Grieves trying to use his mini Starros to torture him! His puppets even scream in unison, dropping down on their back as they kick their legs around and hold onto their right arm.

Polka-Dot Man sees that this might be enough to get Starro to hold in place! If Harley gets onto the roof in time, she can be able to deliver the final blow on him! Then that means Corto Maltese is safe! He just helped his team out. He stopped Starro! His powers are useful here and Bloodsport isn't exactly exploiting him. He is directing him to how he can help. In fact, he became what he thought he may never be.

"You can do good. It's not from what you are. It's from what you do."

Soria is right after all. And this will go down in history.

"I'M A SUPERHERO!" yelled Polka-Dot Man, a grin across his face in joy. His whole body is shaking as he sinks in the moment. Feeling that he did his job, he turns to Bloodsport who gives him the thumbs-up. "I'M A MOTHERF**KING SUPER-!"

SPLAT!

Yep. Will go down in history. Literally.

In the energy provided through his increasing anger, Starro has just slammed his other arm right into Polka-Dot Man. Unlike how he squished Boomerang, he slammed it hard to the ground so that it would be enough to muffle the white-cladded superhero's cries of joy. When Starro removes his appendage, nothing remains of Polka-Dot Man.

Not even a body.

Bloodsport's frown deepens with eyes widening.

Another friend of his died.

With Starro managing to go through the pain, he grabs King Shark using the tentacles sprouting out from his other appendage. The large shark let out cries of horror as he is thrown right into the apartment Starro was attacking before.

Harley arrives too late on the rooftop as Polka-Dot Man died and King Shark was thrown away, thus stopping any chances of holding Starro in place. The giant starfish grabs the apartment and pushes it forwards, tumbling it down into Harley's path. She realizes this before trying to run, feeling the apartment making the rooftop crumble. She nearly looks back, but tries her best to evade.

Eventually, the rooftop gives in and she finds herself falling into the gap.

As Bloodsport tries to think of a new plan, he finds himself surrounded by the infected. All having the same starfish latched onto their heads. Even though they don't appear to be wielding any weapons, this many can pin him down. Remembering from Ratcatcher II that they are already dead due to Starro feeding on their minds, Bloodsport decides to do whatever he can to continue fighting.

He takes out his pistols, firing a couple of shots. However, one infected is able to grab one of his pistols, pulling it back. Another punches Bloodsport across the cheek, making him drop the other.

In turn, he pulls out a katana and slashes the first guy in front of him. Nearly getting lost in the battle, he turns around to stab a guy in the chest before swinging around to slit a couple of necks. Though, that weapon is also taken away when one grabs it off him.

Bloodsport then proceeds to use the remaining thrust in his wrist-mounted flamethrower, burning an incoming military man and kicking him back. He watches as the fire-engulfed soldier crashes into a few other people.

All of this isn't enough to drive the other infected people away as they all grab onto his arms, pulling him down. Bloodsport grits his teeth, trying to use all of his strength to push them away. However, with this many combined, he cannot get out. He looks around frantically, trying to think of a new angle.

There has to be something! Anything!

Polka-Dot Man, Harley and King Shark are out, but there has to be another way!

There's always another way!

That answer came when he sees Ratcatcher II making her way through the crowd with Boomerang covering for her. However, Bloodsport is horrified upon seeing the two standing up on a broken car with Ratcatcher II raising up her wand to call her rats in one last attempt.

"NO!" yelled Bloodsport.

His protective instinct kicks in as he makes a run toward the two. Throwing his captors away, he sprints forwards, hoping that he can make it before Starro kills them.

Ratcatcher II lifts up her wand, somewhat hoping that Starro can see her. She knows what she is doing is stupid since this is an easy way to be killed. But if she is going to die, then she would have to let her supposed 'enemy' know that she doesn't mean to attack him back. At least she can die knowing that she did her best with seeing the good in everyone…

As Starro swings his arm at her, she doesn't notice Bloodsport leaping and tackling her down onto the dirt.

Right on time as Starro flings the car upwards. Boomerang included. The Australian lets out a scream as he is sent flying before crashing onto the dirt road. It is soft enough to break his fall, but he nearly got crushed by the remains of the car.

"Ow…" he groaned, trying to stand up if it wasn't for his sore spine. "F**k! That hurts, asshole…"

It turns out that he cannot go anywhere due to the numerous infected people surrounding him. All with starfishes on their faces as their eyeballs stare down at him.

"...you're going to step on me?" he asked.

Bloodsport and Ratcatcher II nearly find themselves in a more dangerous position. Starro is too close to them and they are also surrounded by his puppets. Dirty and choking, Bloodsport pats all over his armor. All of his weapons are wiped clean. After using all of them over two days, he doesn't have any to protect himself with.

He cusses to himself, reminding himself to ask for his special teleporation system bag next time.


T.D.K, Javelin and Weasel managed to gather around a couple of more children who got lost in the chaos. There are at least 8 children they found, plus 3 adults. It is too late for some that are too far away from them and by the time they got there, all they can do is quickly hide behind cover before the infected soldiers turn their guns on them. It nearly appears that Starro has literally eyes everywhere due to the infected soldiers chasing them everywhere.

Speaking of which, it is nearly as if the number of soldiers in the Corto Maltese army is unlimited. They seem to be coming from everywhere despite how many the squad has slaughtered during the past few days. It is a miracle that their surviving party hasn't been wiped out yet, that would have made their efforts for nothing, but it doesn't mean they are out of the woods.

"Bad news, Blue Gecko!" said Javelin, hearing what their communication coordinators are telling them. "Rainbow Sixer has become a treasure chest in the dirt now! Sweetheart and Mr. Shark are out of action! We're gonna have to take these citizens to the safest place outside of the city before the flesh starship continues his rampage."

"Ah, geez," said T.D.K, shuddering at the thought of what really happened to Polka-Dot Man. "We are losing so many now!"

A woman behind them screams at them to get down, prompting Javelin to tackle T.D.K to the ground. Everyone behind them did as well, scattering to take cover. As the two squad members look up, they gasp upon seeing a familiar face. Or at least that person used to have a face.

Blackguard.

T.D.K feels his breathing nearly coming to a stop. He can barely recognize the blonde mercenary with that stupid starfish hugging his face. He wants to imagine that Boomerang and Ratcatcher II are wrong about the puppets being dead after being infected by Starro. But, no, they're right. The way Blackguard is moving definitely shows that he isn't himself. He can't even fight back Starro's influence now.

All that is controlling him is that small starfish. The starfish that is now acting as his eye, glaring at his former friends. Taking advantage of the mercenary's weapons, the infected Blackguard whips out his black and golden guns, pointing at T.D.K.

Javelin has to drag the shell-shocked T.D.K out of the way and right behind a car. Weasel jumps to the left on the other side, falling right in front of the screaming civilians as Blackguard starts firing.

"Hertz…" whimpered T.D.K, his hands trembling. "W-What did it do to you?"

None of them knew how, but the infected Blackguard hears this and he begins laughing while shooting.

"This metahuman's body is enough to provide me with enough weapons to use on you humans," echoed the blonde mercenary in a new Scottish accent. "I wonder if absorbing all of his powers will make me stronger."

"You rip-off of a Patrick Starfish!" growled Javelin, slamming a fist onto the car. "You monster! You're not playing fair as well! These are our friends' lives you're using!"

The infected Blackguard suddenly stops shooting. "You must be the 'Javelin' individual my host thought about. He remembers that you were close with Mongal. Am I correct?"

A lump forms in Javelin's throat. "Yes."

"I looked through what Blackguard has analyzed so far. His mentality lacks the proper care towards those he is not allied with. However, I see that Mongal is fond towards you."

Javelin and T.D.K stay quiet, not liking where this is going.

"I saw Peacemaker butchering Mongal until her inevitable death. She sacrificed herself to save you all."

"W-What are you trying to get out of this?!" yelled Javelin angrily.

"No need to fret. This should bring comfort to you. Enjoy the moment."

"B-Blackguard!" said T.D.K desperately, knowing that it is already hopeless with his friend. "This isn't you! Fight back!"

"'Blackguard' isn't here anymore. He is mine to control. Unfortunately, you must be destroyed."

As the infected Blackguard said this, more soldiers appear behind him. Reinforcements have finally caught up to them. Taking out their guns, they all shoot, trying to take down anyone who comes out of hiding. The civilians on the other side cover their ears, holding onto each other. Weasel is looking both ways, trying to find a way out of this.

"Is there any way out of this?" asked T.D.K, wiping away tears. "L-Like a way out?"

Javelin notices that the building next to them has an opened back door, noticeable through the front window.

"We have an exit there," he said. "But we are too far away from the rest."

He tries to make a run for the civilians when he hears the soldiers reloading. However, just as he is about to take a step forward, a long whip lashes out. Nearly close to him. Looks like Starro is not taking any chances in letting them go. Even if they run back, they would be mercilessly shot at just before they can keep a long distance away from them.

"S**t," swore T.D.K. "We need to throw these soldiers off to have enough time to get everyone through there."

"I don't have many javelins left," said Javelin, searching through his utility belt. "We're gonna run out soon. And I'm not risking you getting your arms shot again! I don't think Weasel can be able to get through them as well."

He looks back at the chittering Weasel, looking back and forth at the panicking civilians. The adults are trying to hug the children in their warm arms, comforting them before their likely deaths. These people are scared out of their minds, caught in this crossfire. All Starro is doing is lashing out at the city, but these innocent people aren't involved with whatever the government did to him.

It comes to Javelin that he cannot leave these people for dead. He may have injured and killed a few back before, but he isn't one to let the innocent die out. After his bonding with Harley and Mongal, it makes him…feel like he wants to be a good person. To help those who might even be nice back or provide for others. He needs to do this for them. They deserve to live.

But what would that mean for him? He can't sacrifice T.D.K or Weasel into this, whether they are willing to die or not. It's more on choice and Javelin wants to take that choice for his own life. But he finds himself nearly hesitating. What would this mean for HIM if he dies? Nobody back home will miss him. Not even his social media followers may mourn for him. Harley would be left devastated if he leaves her. She deserves to be with a good man.

Despite these conflicts, Javelin realizes that he can give up his life to help others. And maybe that will impact them to do the same for others. This might even give his squad another fighting chance to protect those in need instead of him dying a pathetic death. With that, he makes up his mind. He knows what he has to do.

"I hope that you will find your purpose."

Javelin smiles, remembering what Mongal told him. One of his first few friends. Maybe he may reunite with her when he dies. Drawing a few javelins in his hands, he turns to T.D.K.

"I know that this is going to be bats**t crazy," he whispered. "But I'll jump out there and distract them for as long as I can."

"What?!" said T.D.K, shocked.

"You get them out of here through the back door."

"B-But you'll get shot by them!"

"We'll all die if we don't do anything. I'll be lucky if I end up alive."

"L-Let me do it," said T.D.K. "I'll distract them."

"No. Your detachable powers may be handier than just a bunch of small javelins to throw. I may be an athlete, but we need some of the best people leading them out of here."

T.D.K stutters, unable to comprehend this idea. "You know what you're gonna be leaving behind."

Javelin nods, trembling when he remembers Harley. "I know."

The teal-cladded supervillain is unable to let Javelin go. Despite not getting to know him, Javelin is a nice and polite guy on the squad. Hearing that he and Harley as a thing is pretty sweet, so he wouldn't want them to be separated. T.D.K already lost Blackguard. He doesn't want Harley to lose both of her new friends. However, with those soldiers continuously firing at them with no signs of stopping, they need something to throw them off for a while.

"Please give Harley this if I don't come back," said Javelin, throwing his arms around T.D.K.

It feels weird, but the two of them let it happen as Javelin gives T.D.K one last hug. Something which Javelin even needs since he'll be sacrificing his life. And it's scary, but he'll do it to save the survivors. He uses this to have at least someone to hug before his coming death. To send Harley a message that he loves her. To know that people will miss him.

When it is done, Javelin lets go and T.D.K gives him a nod of reluctant approval.

"Throw me up!" said Javelin. "Now!"

T.D.K lifts him up by the feet and throws him upwards. In the air, Javelin throws out a couple of mini javelins towards the soldier, stabbing them down. He lands onto the car and waves his arms around, catching their attention. Once they lost focus on shooting down everyone, he charges towards Blackguard, tackling him to the ground.

Seeing this as his only chance, T.D.K dashes to the other side. Grabbing Weasel by the arm, he hollers at everyone else to follow him. Just at the right time as well. As they ran to the other side towards the building with the back door, they see Javelin attempting to peel the starfish off a screaming Blackguard's face.

And oh yes, Starro can FEEL that.

Even the soldiers stop, screaming in unison as they hold onto their faces. This brings Starro bad memories of how many times the scientists try to rip the small starfishes off his hosts' faces.

Angered, the infected Blackguard pushes Javelin away and lifts up one of his guns to start shooting. A couple of bullet holes appear around Javelin's body. This time, it isn't on his shoulders. Even in the face and his chest, damaging several vital parts of his body.

With his task accomplished, Javelin falls back with a frozen expression, bleeding.

On the other side, T.D.K and Weasel ran with the remaining survivors. The former closes his eyes as angry tears start to pour down. He isn't going to let Javelin's death go in vain.

They only made a good distance away from the soldiers, but they find themselves at a weird point. One of the buildings is torn down due to Starro attacking through it. However, they can hear yelling from the other side. Over the huge heap of rubble, there is a larger group of people on the other side, tending to the other survivors and getting ready to drive them to safety. Apparently, the resistance fighters are there to aid them.

T.D.K look both ways, but he can hear screeching from both sides. They are coming close, so he'll need to improvise. Taking the long way would get them shot. Turning around, he counts that there are around 11 people with him. An idea comes to mind.

"Everyone!" he said. "I'm going to do the strangest thing you'll ever see. It's OK if you don't want to see since you'll probably never see me again in your life."

With that warning explained, he detaches both of his arms. This receives a baffled reaction from all of them as they stare at the floating arms. Weasel chitters, tilting his head on why the teal-cladded man is doing this again.

"I think I can hold onto two average-sized…people for like…I don't know, minutes?" explained T.D.K. "Just need to take you over that ruined building. Who wants to go first?"

The civilians glance at each other, muttering quietly. The way they do so sounds more of like wondering if they should try a free sample at a mall instead of being in a monster city attack. Once they hear the ungodly screeches again, the three adults push the children toward T.D.K first.

"Alright!" said T.D.K, using his arms to grab a pair of children each. "Hold on tight!"

It is clearly a weird thing for all of them, but the children find themselves actually whooping as they are carried by the detached arms. Floating right across the ruined building before making it to the other side to be greeted by the supportive resistance. T.D.K sighs in relief, glad that they aren't too heavy. He did the same for the next four children and it is much quicker than the first time. Then, he gets onto the adults, though one of them volunteers to wait due to thinking that T.D.K may not carry two adults with one arm that easily.

As T.D.K proceed to lift the two adults up, he gasps when he sees the infected Blackguard coming around the corner. He nearly loses focus as one of his detached arms nearly drop the woman he is carrying.

"Whoa!" she yelled. "Careful!"

"Hurry, hurry!" said a guy the other arm is carrying.

In a panic, T.D.K accidentally slips on the floor. Weasel squeaks, trying to help him get back up. However, T.D.K is deep within concentration in getting these people to safety.

"I may be detached!" he said in a strained voice through clenched teeth. "But that doesn't mean I can't try!"

The sheer determination he places himself on is enough to carry the two civilians safely onto the other side. His arms proceed to carry the last civilian left standing next to him. However, as his arms carry the man over the rubble, the infected soldiers arrive in time and start trying to shoot.

Thinking quickly, T.D.K uses all of his strength to toss the man to the other side. Leaving only his arms to be caught in the crossfire. T.D.K howls in agony as the soldiers shoot his floating arms, leaving him once again scrambling on the ground helplessly. Weasel quickly stands right in front of him, willing to protect what might be another guy he can rely on.

Once the soldiers are done shooting the arms, they all turn to the duo. T.D.K bites his lips, trying not to cry out loudly. But his bleeding arms hurt so much. And he is nearly helpless until he can regrow his arms.

Blackguard is right in front of them. Due to Javelin's tampering, the starfish attached to him is nearly peeled off halfway, leaving an ugly star-shaped print on the blonde mercenary's face. T.D.K swears that he can see the flesh underneath, blood slowly dripping out.

"This...city is mine!" snarled the infected Blackguard, saliva dripping from his wide mouth. "You have nothing!"

T.D.K feels saddened that he is about to be killed by the person who was his friend. However, he can rest on the thought that the people he saved will be able to get out of there quickly before the soldiers turn to them.

"Not nothing," spat T.D.K back. "I got a great adventure. A team of misfits; that gives me an opportunity to be outside prison. All you got is people labeling you a monster."

Every infected host grit their teeth, lifting up their guns at the defiant two.

Weasel narrows his eyes, ready to fight again. T.D.K just gives them a long cold stare, prepared to meet his death.

But that never came.

Instead, Sol Soria makes the last jump after jumping over the rubble, landing in front of soldiers. Seeing what she has to do to make sure that they can all survive, she claps her hands together, concentrating.

And everyone around them is in a 10 metre radius after all.

"GET DOWN!" yelled Sol Soria, pulling T.D.K and Weasel away.

The trio crash right into the ground, ducking when they hear guns going off and grenades exploding. All weapons are automatically activated, sending bullets flying and the bodies of burned corpses flying. Blackguard's is the most lethal as all of his gadgets went off to either shoot or blast the nearby soldiers. When you remember the fact that he is a metahuman, his remaining powers send out several projectiles right at them, engulfing the poor bastards.

And then, it is all quiet.

Soria, T.D.K and Weasel slowly turn around, wondering if it is over. They are surprised to see the large number of bodies right in front of them. Lying in pools of blood, charred or just burning alive. All of their weapons are wasted with the safety triggers off. Blackguard's body is just facing them with the starfish gone and his face missing.

Though, there is just one infected soldier still alive, staggering upwards with a gun in his hands.

As fast as T.D.K's arms regrown into a new fresh set, he detaches one of them and punches the soldier right in the face. Really. Right into the starfish so hard that it burst its eye. The soldier falls back, lifeless.

Soria let out a surprised chuckle. "No wonder why Flag said that you are 'detachable'!"

T.D.K shoots her a look. "Why were you up at the government palace all this time?!"

"...yeah?" Soria groaned, placing a hand over her forehead. "Oh no…not again."

"You're OK?"

"Just another headache. I-I think I'm gonna need some rest now…it'll take me a while until my immune system kicks back in."

Overjoyed to see Soria, Weasel beings licking on her face.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" she said, laughing. "Glad to see you again. Wait, you're out here. Where is Savant?"

T.D.K gulps a little. "Yeah, about that…"


Bloodsport and Ratcatcher II notice how angry every single of Starro's hosts appears to be. With strained frowns and heavy breathing from all of them, it comes to mind how much of a temper and grudge Starro is holding against humanity. The utter anger he has about how he is treated by the rest of the world and is more than willing to harm those when nobody is around to give him the full support he desires.

"This…city...IS...MINE!" snarled one of the hosts.

As she said that, Starro even roars at every syllable of this line.

It hits Ratcatcher II as she feels the wand underneath the dirt. This reminds her of what Grieves called her technology. Something to manipulate rats. However, with Sebastian by her side and the rats more than happy to help out, it comes to her that she isn't controlling the rats. She isn't taking their free will. In fact, she is leading them.

Leading them to something great. And she is going to do that now for every single last one of them.

"This city isn't yours," said Ratcatcher as she flicks her wand on. "This city isn't ours. This city is theirs!" [2]

A low scattering and squeaking fill the entire city. If it isn't from the wild animals from the forest, then it is something everyone will have to prepare themselves for. Bloodsport realizes this, knowing how much it would take to take down Starro.

"Oh, hell," he muttered.

Boomerang slowly got back on his feet, rolling his shoulder. Strangely, the infected people around him don't seem to be focusing on him now. They appear to be concerned about something else. To his surprise, he can hear rumbling from right behind him. And that smell as well. It smells like a bunch of fleas that just…

He nearly falls down again when an army of rats scurry past him. They all run over the dumbfounded infected people before the flood becomes thick in grey, big rats. As they run towards Starro, Boomerang tries to run along, wanting to catch up. He wants to see how this goes and he isn't going to miss out on it.

While it is unstoppable, Bloodsport immediately finds his breathing nearly coming to a stop and his fight-flight-freeze mode kicking in. He falls down, covering his face as he tries to prepare himself for the incoming rats. Noticing that she has inadvertently caused him to have a HUGE panic attack, she throws herself on top of him to comfort him, clutching at his shoulder in reassurance that the rats won't harm them.

Bloodsport can only whimper in fear, feeling the rats crawling over his body. Near his face. Near his EYES. They are all here. They are all going to bite him! Ratcatcher II might have steered them toward Starro, but he can't shake the feeling of being attacked by rats. He doesn't want to be ill by them or bitten, but it seems that the day has come. He can only continue to whimper and close his eyes, praying that the dark cloud will go away.

Starro's eye widened, surprised to see the massive amount of rats. With Sebastian leading them, all groups from every side start to crawl onto his legs. The giant starfish starts to panic, wondering what is the meaning of this. Rats of all kinds, are willing to risk their lives to climb onto this monster so that he won't destroy their home. The sheer amount is terrifying Starro as well.

He begins waving his appendages around, trying to stomp on the increasing army of rats. Sure he might have been able to squash a few, but his entire body is nearly filled with grey dots, making it look like he is splashed with dust.

Meanwhile, Harley manages to climb right on top of the remains of the wrecked building Starro has toppled over. Sure, it might not be easy trying to get through a messy heap of trash that is too narrow for you to stand on. However, it is high enough for her to get into Starro's eye level. And she still has the golden javelin in her hand, ready to fulfill her destiny with it.

As Ratcatcher II makes sure that Starro is in a good place, she remembers back to how she sometimes wonders why her father chose rats. Why they chose them in the first place.

Don't get her wrong. She loves them with all her heart. However, she knows that the world hates rats and sees them as nothing but a disease. What would be their role in her survival? What can they be able to do?

"Rats are the lowliest and most despised of all creatures, my love," echoes her father's voice. "If they have purpose, so do we all."

She remembers sitting on top of a large tower for her and her father to see all of Portugal. Observing the golden lights around while introducing Sebastian to the family. With them this high, they can feel like the city is respecting them for who they are and what they make. And that dream seems to be coming through as she is fighting against a giant who is taller than any of them.

She is leading the rats to save the world. Not to use them as cannon fodder. They are willing to stop Starro, even if they die. Just like the rest of the squad willing to fight despite Waller's demands to stay out of this. If they actually have a purpose in doing the right thing, then so do they all.

This would be what being a hero means. Turning the pain they experience or believe in and turning it into something beautiful to protect those in distress. The ones who need help the most so that they won't go through the same pain. Unlike Starro, they are all doing this to prove to themselves that they are better than just crooks.

Ratcatcher cannot help but start to cry in joy. She feels like she might as well die from being so happy.

Starro is already having a hard time with the rats. They all seem to be having some kind of force, pinning him to an apartment behind him. He tries scratching the rats on his back against it, but more rats keep coming in. And then, he sees Harley running towards him.

Harley looks down to find a cheering Boomerang, pumping his fists up in the air. With this little boost of encouragement, she takes a deep breath and leaps as if she can finally fly in the air.

This one is for Flag and Mongal.

Using the javelin in her hand, she stabs right into Starro's eyeball, entering the disgusting fluid. She holds onto her breath, making sure to not swallow the liquid. As she wonders if this is it, she turns around to find Sebastian and the rest of the rats coming in, swimming through the eyeball.

She watches in awe, nearly letting go of the javelin. Sebastian swims past her, giving a happy squeak before joining his friends in tearing the eyeball apart. The numerous rats attack at all angles, heading toward the bloodstreams. There are a couple of them heading towards the further end of the eye, starting to bite right into the retina. As if it is onion skill, it peels away to reveal where the optic nerve might be at.

They continue to bite, willing to tear out whatever they can or wanting to have a new snack to feast on. Blood starts to pour everywhere, slowly turning the eye fluid red.

Harley grins, feeling like…an angel. With the mix of blood and the sunlight shining right into the eyeball, it feels like she is at peace. A bit dark, especially if you ask Cass, but this feels right to Harley. She just saved the world with the javelin her boyfriend trusted her with. She fulfilled its purpose, thus not letting it go to waste. She is outright happy about how far she came on this crazy adventure.

From choosing the healthiest way to leave behind a potentially toxic relationship to get to kick ass in a way she has never done before to making new friends. Granted, she isn't too proud since she enjoyed a bit too much of all the killing. However, she feels that she is finally on the right path. And it's right here… [2s]

The rats finally dissipated to Bloodsport's relief. He can finally open his eyes. He flinches when he feels a couple of rats still crawling over him, but he notices that the large army of rats isn't around him anymore. Most of them have already dealt with Starro. Sitting up, he is surrounded by the struggling infected people and the agonizing giant starfish.

Starro is already near the brink of death. The rats seem to have even dig a bit further into his skin, leaving out large red scratches over his body. The worse is his eye as it is fully red like it is bloodshot. The shape of the eye doesn't seem to help as well, looking like he is welling up tears. He sways around, trying to maintain his balance. Screaming.

But that scream actually feels more close to human. He sounds…afraid.

Suddenly, the nearby infected Suarez stands up, crawling close to Bloodsport, Ratcatcher II and the approaching Boomerang.

"I was happy…" muttered the puppet in a strained voice. "Floating…staring at the stars…"

Those final words are cut off when Starro falls back and crashes, sending rats, dust and rubble flying everywhere. All of his hosts eventually collapse with the starfishes on them dying as well. There are a couple of clattering noises until it became silent.

Bloodshot hears whistling from behind. It is T.D.K, Weasel and Soria. For some strange reason, the two men (well, if Weasel can be counted as being a 'man') are carrying Soria. She appears a bit pale, but nonetheless glad to see that there are some squad members still alive.

Not all of them.

He looks back at Ratcatcher II and Boomerang. The former is crestfallen, looking down to pay respect to Starro. Boomerang is frozen, unable to say words about how he thinks this could have turned out. This gets to Bloodsport that with the way Starro acted, the giant starfish didn't even want to be a weapon. He didn't want to be a puppet of anyone. He wanted to be free, but he was tired and angry.

Bloodsport barely notices several rats crawling out of the eyeball. And oh, Harley too. She gasps for air, feeling the eye fluid stinging her skin. She gives a high thumbs-up to let the others know that she is OK. Only Boomerang can return the gesture, putting on a forced smile.

Half of their squad is gone, including Rick Flag. It would have been all for nothing if they didn't turn around to save Corto Maltese. But there are still people around them, dead with their free will taken away by someone who went through the same thing. All of them nearly had their free will taken away by the American government that played with them.

They were all victims in the end.


AN: Polka-Dot Man and Javelin are the next to go. I expand a few things to make their deaths seemingly more badass than ever. Though, I have a feeling that I concentrated too much on Javelin and T.D.K. I got admit that it was hard to evaluate what they are thinking as if looking back to how much they've grown.

Guess what? Captain Boomerang gets to live another day! While the numbers are small, the results on the poll reveal that 2 people are cool with allowing his death while a massive number of 8 people want him to survive. So, you got your wish! He gets to live another day! My favorite part is him showing off at Starro before climbing onto his leg. That is actually a reference to SMG4: 'Mario VS YouTube'.

If you all didn't notice, there is a Leeroy Jenkin meme. Pretty outdated, but fits anyway. And the 'Leeroy' is Weasel himself. He came a long way...maybe a bit too quickly in becoming braver.

What do you think of this last chapter? Like how all the squad members (including Soria) utilize their abilities? Do you think the battle is well-written alongside the captured emotion? You know the drill; like this story, then follow or favorite. Make sure to review this chapter on what you think about this chapter. We are close to the last chapter, so I need feedback! Constructive criticism is good as well. Please don't be nervous in revealing your thoughts about this as I would like to hear.

Until next time, I'll see you in the final chapter. Let's just say that the epilogue may be structured differently.