Author's Note:
The following story is based on the DC Comics Elseworlds series of the same name by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. It is not a direct adaptation, but rather an inspired tale that also satisfies the circumstances of the animated universe. Additionally, the story takes place following the episode "Starcrossed" and must, unfortunately, ignore all episodes that follow. Though don't be surprised if references are made. As usual, the characters and stories are the sole property of DC Comics and AOL Time Warner. They are not in any way used for profit, but rather for the sake of fun and personal pleasure. So please don't sue.
Enjoy.
Nine months after the failed Thanagarian Invasion...
John Stewart quickly began to miss her presence. How badly she would've been needed for this. Because it was becoming very apparent that having six heroes was just not cutting it against the latest evils of one Gorilla Grodd. The intelligent ape just seemed to grow smarter with each passing day. And it was clearly giving him an advantage against Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern and The Flash together.
"There has got to be some way we can slow him down," John cried through the communications wire as he generated a net to catch debris that would've crushed a pair of unknowing bystanders. "I can contain him, but he needs to be pretty tired so that he won't use my powers against innocent people."
"There happens to be a downside to that, too," Batman responded through the communications wire. "If he slows down or somehow cause that speeding hover bike of his to stop suddenly, there's a greater chance the chemicals he has in tow will cause a plague unlike any Central City has ever seen."
"And we definitely don't want that happening, now do we?" Flash asked somewhat sarcastically through the communications wire. "We sure don't want me coming into contact with it either since I'd end up spreading it nearly a hundred times faster!"
"We're gonna have to try something and quick, guys," Wonder Woman said. "We have to some how get those chemicals out of his hands and into safety before we could possibly attempt to take him down."
"I can contain the chemicals easily, but that means I might not be able to generate enough juice to contain him once you guys slow him down," John said, shaking his head in frustration. "Someone come up with a plan quick before we either: A) Lose this guy to who knows where, or B) We drop him now risking the chemicals to spread."
"There's got to be some way we can put together an option C," Superman said. "Let's just keep on him and make sure to keep the innocence from getting harmed. Are you able to figure something out, J'onn?"
"Potentially," J'onn replied. "It would mean getting the chemicals out of his hands, but ending up having to lose track of him. I cannot come to a conclusion better than this, I'm afraid."
"The idea might now sound popular, but I'm going to have to side with J'onn on this one," Batman said. "Getting the chemicals out of Grodd's hands is much more important than trying to take him down and risk a virus running loose."
"I say we go with J'onn's idea," Wonder Woman said.
"I guess the real question would be if any one's against it," Flash said. "I may hate it, but I don't see how else we can do this. What about you, John?"
"Looking more like a majority vote, hot shot," John said. He didn't make mention of his personal feeling that had Shayera remained their options would've been better.
"Then we contain the chemicals as quickly as we can," Superman said. "J'onn, you sneak in and nab the chemicals so that John can create a field to contain it. Everyone else, make sure you distract Grodd long enough for this to happen."
John sighed as they moved forward with the plan. He increased his speed, yet stay at a distance so that Grodd wouldn't suspect. He watched carefully as the others do their best to distract the villain while J'onn quietly phase through the bike from below and carefully remove the chemicals. J'onn was quickly out of grasp when Grodd realized what was happening and took a swipe at the Martian. Plan successful.
Grodd growled in anger as he pushed forward to make his retreat. At this speed, even The Flash was having a problem catching up. Grodd chuckled as he looked behind to see the Justice League slowly disappearing in the distance. He had just turned his head when he saw a flash of light before all went dark.
Flash was barely able to move out of the way as he dodged the in-coming debris of what remained of the speed hover bike. He came to a full stop when he saw Grodd's unconscious body lying on the floor. And seeing the figure of the man responsible. The others had caught up and stopped alongside their teammate, quite astonished at what they saw.
Standing proudly above the fallen villain was a man wearing a red suit, a silver cape with gold outlines, a gold thunder bolt upon his chest... and a smile unlike any other.
Justice League
Kingdom Come
By Lord Akiyama
Based upon the story by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Chapter Three: Thunder and Lightning
"I was just passing through the neighborhood and figured you might need an extra hand," the stranger said. He turned to face the Justice League after they all watched Gorilla Grodd taken away by the authorities and placing themselves in a private location where they could speak.
"That was more than a help," Flash commented, still in stunned amazement. "You blasted a vehicle moving just a couple clicks faster than me with one helluva lighting bolt and repelled a fireball of a debris off your chest as if you were Superman here. I think its much safer to ask who you are and where you came from?"
"I'm inclined to know myself," Superman said in an impressive manner.
The stranger smiled wider. "My name is Captain Marvel," he replied.
"I figured there was something familiar about you," Batman quickly commented. The other Leaguers looked at him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
"I see my name proceeds me," Marvel chuckled.
"I like to keep my ears open," Batman said, slowly walking around the hero. "Quite an impressive feat in containing an exploding volcano from engulfing the Hawaiian island in just five minutes. Then foiling two bank robberies, contained an escape tiger so zoo officials could drug the animal, and avert the meltdown of a nuclear power plant. All in one day."
"One day?" Wonder Woman said in shock. "Not even Superman could do all that in one day. You'd have to be a..."
"A genuine God?" Marvel said, finishing her sentence as she paused to think about what she was saying. He chuckled again. "I get that a lot. But even though my efforts, I know that even I can't stop everything that happens. I just try to make a difference one step at a time."
The League began to think about Marvel's philosophy on how he approached his job and began to nod in agreement. "That sounds like something we could all learn by," Superman smiled. "If you don't mind, Marvel, we would very much like to know more about you."
"I wish I had all the time in the world," Marvel yawned quietly. "I really do. But even I need rest myself. Since your... dark friend here likes to keep his ears open, perhaps he can seek me out if you do wish to continue getting to know me. Well, it's a pleasure meeting the might Justice League. May our paths cross again." He waved his hand as he took a couple steps back. "SHAZAM!" Thunder struck the ground before him and moments later all could see him flying off in the sky above. A marvelous sight indeed.
"Geez," Flash said after a moment of silence had passed. Along with the others, he exhaled with utter amazement and wonder. "Why haven't heard of this guy before? He'd be perfect for the League."
"I was thinking the same thing, hot shot," John said, looking up to find whatever remained of the trail Marvel left in the sky. "Good God, this guy lives up to his name and more so."
"You feel as though everything was just that much better by being around him," J'onn smiled. "I would very much like to know more about this man. I do believe you are right, Wally. He is perfect for the League." Batman was the only one who didn't smile or look up to catch a glimpse of the hero. He instead, focused the thought on who exactly this man was.
Two days after the appearance of Captain Marvel...
Bruce Wayne didn't have to limit himself to two identities. He didn't have to be either a millionaire philanthropist or a Dark Knight detective. His training allowed him to assume other identities when they were called for. This came into play upon the discovery that most, if not all, the news reports of the hero Captain Marvel were being reported from a radio station called WHIZ. Additionally, the broadcasting the reports was always that of a child.
He watched carefully from a corner, making himself look like a street urchin with nothing better to do than smoke his cigarettes a bum a match off the careless citizens. He leaned against the wall when he spotted the boy. He name was Billy Bastion and appeared no older than ten-years-old. Billy walked beneath the warm sunlight, on break from his job at the radio station where is primary position was that of intern.
There was a bit of a cry that captured Billy's attention, and slowly Bruce's. A girl was started to walk out upon the street. Heading dead-on straight for her was a diesel truck. But the girl wouldn't know. She was blind. Bruce wanted to do something, but the math told him it wouldn't have made a difference. He was too far away and he wasn't fast enough to save the girl. His eyes quickly turned back to Billy... just in time to see something unbelievable.
He watched as Billy mouthed the word, "Shazam!" In the blink of an eye, lightning cracked and in a quick second Captain Marvel flew at high speed. He was successful in saving the girl and carrying her out of harm's way. Bystanders who watched gasped in fear until it was all over when they cheered as Captain Marvel, smile sparking in the sunlight, slowly descended to the ground with the blind girl in his arms.
"You've gotta be kidding me," Bruce muttered quietly.
"Captain Marvel is ten-years-old!" Flash screamed in absolute shock and disbelief. "But that doesn't make any sense. When we saw him, he looked thirty!" The others began to express the same confusion their teammate verbally screamed. The very man who impressed them beyond belief was a child?
"Which is why I had to investigate further," Batman replied. "Six months ago, Billy was cast out by the only living relative he had left. An uncle who didn't give a damn. But somehow the kid was able to stand tall in the face of disarray. He persevered without complaining, winning the hearts of those who freely helped him. Unbeknownst to him, someone watched from far off and sensed within him a worthy soul. Mystic emissary were sent to bring the boy to a well hidden location on Mount Olympus..."
"Olympus?" Diana said. "Are you telling me the Gods called upon him?"
"Not exactly the Gods, but something of the same realm," Batman replied. "As I was saying, he was brought to a hidden location where he met a wizard. The wizard explained to Billy of an eternal battle between mankind and the dark forces that sought its destruction. For thousands of years, the wizard had used the powers of ancient Gods and heroes to fight on the side of righteousness. But his tom on the mortal plane grew short, and a new champion was sought to take his place upon his throne.
"The wizard offered Billy the chance to be granted with the power to defend the poor and defenseless. To use these gifts to right wrongs and crush evil everywhere. If Billy accepted, all he had to do was speak the wizard's name. A name fashioned of those of the ancients. Names you're probably familiar with, Diana. Solomon for wisdom, Hercules for strength, Atlas for stamina, Zeus for power, Achilles for courage, and Mercury for speed."
"How do you fashion a name out of that?" Flash asked out of confusion.
"You take the first letters of each name," Superman deduced. "Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, Mercury. S-H-A-Z-A-M. The wizard's name is Shazam."
"Wasn't that the word Captain Marvel used when he flew off after we met him?" John asked.
"That word creates everything for Billy," Batman said. "By speaking the wizard's name, he transforms into an adult of near limitless energy. Enough to match Superman in every category... and he might be more powerful. A mortal one minute, a God the next. He only used the Captain Marvel persona out of costume only once. To make the claim of the boy's father renting out his apartment. After all, no residence would rent to a kid."
"He's living by himself?" Diana asked. "All alone? Great Hera, I sense more than ever that we have to bring him into the League. If only to set him up with a place to stay without getting caught of not having a parental figure watching him."
"And the potential this Captain Marvel brings," J'onn said. "It's indisputable. Now more than ever, Flash is right at the suggestion of drafting him to the League."
"Then we vote on it," Superman said. "Those in favor of brining Captain Marvel into the Justice League, raise your hands." Even a blind person would be able to tell that the hands of all six that sat at the table rose to the sky. Some smiled at the opportune chance at working with someone like Captain Marvel. "Then it is settled. The next time we encounter Captain Marvel, we invite him membership into the League."
Ten days after the return of Superman...
"You're kidding me," Bruce said in disbelief, releasing all his strength as Selina began to remove the mechanical device that supported his spine together. "Are you sure it was Captain Marvel?"
"The smile was undeniable, Bruce," Selina sighed as she removed the device and gently laying her lover upon the bed. "I've seen that smile many times on your monitors, and looking at it in the flesh before my eyes... it took all my strength to keep me from blowing my cover."
"This is not good one bit," Bruce groaned, watching Selina place the mechanical device on the floor beside the bed. The support was a device to retain control of his body when he was walking about. He didn't need it when he slept. Of course, for Selina's pleasure, as long as he was lying on his back he could maintain some control of his body. "Well, one thing's for sure... the League has no idea that Marvel is now part of the game."
"A dangerous game at that, Bruce," Selina sighed, resting herself upon her lover's chest. "Executing with our plan was risky enough as it was. What do we do know that we've discovered Marvel's involvement."
Bruce sighed. This was indeed going to require a lot of thinking. The plan was running rather smoothly until this bombshell dropped upon his lap. Silence engulfed them as he tried to piece together the next move. "We continue as planned," he finally said. "However, I think we're gonna need another helpful body in the fold. If anything, we need to know for sure where exactly Captain Marvel stood. For now, we have to consider him a wild card."
"A dangerous wild card, regardless of where he stands," Selina responded. "I fear lives are going to be lost now that we know he's part of the game."
"It's not just a fear, my love," Bruce sighed. "It's a confirmation. Over twenty years we've been trying to find out what happened to Billy Bastion. At least we know he's not dead... yet." The phone at the nightstand started to ring. He watched as Selina gently and cat-like moved above him to answer it. The conversation didn't last before she hung up.
"Ollie reports that Superman himself is heading for the bar," she said. "The move for the youngsters is on."
"Never felt more relieved for that to take place," Bruce said. "Alright, everything is moving better than I expect. I need you to start speaking with Ibn tomorrow and see if you can put together a meeting with Luthor as soon as you can. I think its time we went ahead with the next stage in our plan."
"Alright," Selina said. Suddenly, a grin began to slowly form upon her lips. "In the mean time, perhaps you and I can share a moment we haven't shared in quite sometime." She watched as a knowing grin formed on his lips. Before he could make any effort to change his mind, she leaned her head in and they shared a gentle and provocative kiss.
Superman shook his head as he looked about the masses. Dozens upon dozens of metahumans gathered, caring less about the activities on the outside. In here, they traded drinks, drugs, and stories of endless mayhem. Carnage that they found enjoyment in. These kids. They were monsters. Beasts. And they had to be tamed.
The deeper he stepped into the establishment, the more eyes turned their attention to him. No man ever had the stature and appearance he had to cause such a reaction amongst these people. He came to a full stop in front of the bar table, noticing that he had the full attention of every single soul in the room. "This doesn't help," he quietly muttered to himself. He looked over to see the stacks of liquor and other illegal liquid supplements stacked against the wall. Seconds later, a quick beam shot out of his eyes, smashing a line of bottles. "Party's over," he said, turning to the others.
There was silence for what seemed like hours before anther voice spoke. "Ooooh. I'm shakin'." Those who were around turned to see a drunk downing another substance. "Ain't it past your bedtime, grampa? What does the 'S' stand for? Senile?" It was apparent the drunk had no idea who had just entered the room as he hiccuped. "Whatever you're sellin', I ain't..."
Everyone seemed grateful when they watched one of the others sock the drunk to the floor with one shot. "Will you shut up!" he yelled. The sheer size of him towered most others, and rightfully so. A man who took the name of Atom Smasher would have to come off as such a brute. Everyone then turned their attention back to the true man of the hour.
"Thank you," Superman said. "I'm here because the world's in bad shape. We have a lot to do and now a lot of time to do it in. I want you to join the League... willingly." A mixture of surprise, amazement, and disinterested painted across the many faces before him. But they knew he wasn't finished.
"Before you do, you should know that we have rules," he continued. "Heroes act in a certain way. This isn't it. Those of you who take up with us... willingly... will be expected to be as responsible as you are powerful. You'll be expected to behave better. Those who don't... will be dealt with. Our job is thankless... but we do what has to be done. Right now, we're humanity's only hope." He turned and headed for the exits. "Be heroes." And with that, Superman was gone.
The masses remained quiet, taking in what they had just saw and what they had just heard. This was Superman. And he was asking them to willingly surrender their carefree, reckless behaviors and take up arms as responsible heroes. But more importantly, as part of The Justice League. Everyone began talking to one another, expressing their thoughts about what they planned to do. Many gave serious thought to the idea of joining. Others scoffed at the mention of his name. And there were few who quite honestly didn't give a damn.
"Holy God."
"He was here."
"How'd he find..."
"Are you in?" a young lady slowly asked her friend.
"I feel like I was just asked to become the thirteenth disciple!" the friend replied. "What do you think?"
"I thought my dad was full of crap for being drafted by that guy, but now..." Many wouldn't recognize the relation this young lady had with her father. In fact, she mostly gained from her mother. Her mother was an alien and her father an Earthling. Her mother was Starfire and her father was Nightwing. Her name was Nightstar.
"God, I'd follow that man to Apokolips!" the friend cried in amazement and disbelief. Like Nightstar, she too was the daughter of two heroes. And like Nightstar, she took more from her mother than her father. The proud child of Big Barda and Mr. Miracle, she bore the name Avia. Unlike Nightstar, though, she was more awe-struck by Superman's presence and invitation than her companion. "He's right, you know! The League knows the way..."
An arrow passing through the space between the two ladies and slamming into a wall brought the room back to a halt. Many began to moan as they saw another elder body leaning on the doorway. But it wasn't just any old body. Oliver Queen was a man of reputation, regardless of age. And the Green Arrow never disappointed in proving such statement.
"So you heard big blue's pitch," he said. "Now for the democratic response..."
to be continued...