Who saves heroes ?
By Scarredbyshallowness ( Or Scar for short )
Disclaimer : All of the rights of the things I use aren't mine . Period . End of story . This includes " I won't see you tonight, part 1 " by Avenged Sevenfold (That song ROCKS ! )
Over 5900 hits . This is it . The finale . Hard to believe isn't it ?
Thank you everyone for the reviews ! I promise, everything will come together in this singular unit known as a chapter . And believe me, it's monster length . Easily three times the size of the last one .
Without further ado, I present the 10th , and final, chapter to this grand tragedy . Enjoy .
Chapter 10
True Valor
Fate . The supposed force, or principle if you will, that predetermines events . Inevitability . No one can truly predict what fate has in store for us all . Not even the one named after it .
The inner sanctuary, that is Dr. Fate's home, illuminated brilliantly as three beings entered it's door-less confines .
Bewildered . Shocked . Grateful . No words seemed to capture the feelings that Robin and Raven were experiencing . Only one thing was certain; They were blessed .
" Irza ! We have some more guests . " Fate called to his loyal wife as she placed a nameless book away in one of the many shelves encircling the room . In any other circumstance, Raven would have adored the sea of literature that was before them . Thisday was anything BUT ordinary.
" Welcome . Please, make yourselves at home . There is no danger here . " Irza spoke softer than what seemed humanly possible . So pure . So caringly .
" Not that I don't appreciate it, but how in the world did you find us in all that chaos ? I'm a magic user . I know there was no time to use a locator spell . " Raven raised a brow from behind the Boy Wonder, still clutching onto his arm . Neither of them saw a real reason to let go .
" Correct . I did not have the time necessary to castone . In fact, I would not have been able to save you at all if I didn't have assistance from her . " the doctor modestly explained as he pointed toward the darkest corner of the room . A small figure approached them steadily, seemingly uneasily, as the light revealed it to be …
" JINX ! " Robin almost swore as he could feel his eyes bulge . This wasn't a day, this was history in the making .
" The only way I was able to find you two was through her mind . Without her earnest will and memories of the two of you from previous encounters, I would of never been able to locate your signature energies . She saved your lives . Something I hope will she will continue to do for others in the future . "
" Whoa . Um . Thank you, Jinx . I guess there is hope for you after all . " The Boy Wonder smiled as he extended his hand out in gratitude … only to be greeted by the coldness of rejection .
" I didn't do it for you . I did it because I know it's what Stone would have done . By the way, Raven . We're even now . You helped me, and I helped you . Now leave me alone . " Jinx snapped as she turned away from the Titans and headed back toward her quiet corner . Robin steeped forward to pursue the lost sorceress, but was stopped immediately by a golden gauntlet .
" Let her be . The fact that she performed this act proves that she has a heart . Just give her time . " Fate spoke in calm confidence, knowing that the cybernetic one known as Cyborg had impacted her in more ways than one . That's the thing about Dr. Fate . He was never one to give up hope .
Washington D.C. , White House
" My, Mr. Luthor, I wasn't expecting another visit from you so soon . " The President grinned to the somewhat broader Lex . He couldn't but his finger on it, but something was different about him . Very different .
" Ah yes, Mr. President . I have been doing some thinking . I believe this is in order . " Luthor smiled as he handed a well written contract over to the man in charge . As the President read the document, his face turned a ghostly white and fear over what he had done began to seep it's way into the back of his mind .
" You … you want Cadmus to control the entire US military ? "
" No . Not Cadmus . Me . I have plans for our …inevitable… future . " Luthor beamed as he could smell the sweat accumulating on the President's brow .
" You're INSANE ! I'll see to your arrest ! GUARDS ! " the man in power roared as two men in ebony suits busted into the room with standard 9 mms at ready .
" Heh . Try and stop me . " Luthor closed his eyes in complete relaxation as he felt the oncoming bullets bounce and ricochet off his new body .
" How …" the President gasped as he reached for the button to call for the Justice League . Only, nothing happened . That's what happens when an entire space station is annihilated .
" Don't you remember, Mr. President ? You are the one who killed them ! Now if you wouldn't mind signing that document, I will do my best to ensure your safety . "
" W…what would you do with all that power, Luthor ? " The President chokingly questioned as he was suddenly torn from his seat with unnatural ease . Being held by his neck by this monster's grasp .
" Why nuclear holocaust of course . You see, I have designed every fiber, every particle, of this perfect body that is currently choking you . I made it so I would have absolutely no weakness . I can live through the harshest environments and the most destructive weapon fire with ease . Pure power . I will destroy this world in a flash of destruction and rebuild it in my image . I shall become a god ! And there is no one left who can stop me . All thanks to you . " Lex sneered like acid as the guilt that the President felt burrowed deeper, increasing ten fold .
And to make matters worse, Luthor was right .
" THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN ! " A voice roared as a sudden red blur zoomed into the room, intentionally crashing into the seemingly invincible Luthor as both exploded out of the unfortunate wall behind them . " NOT WHILE I'M ALIVE ! "
" Superman ! You're just in time . You'll make the perfect test subject for my new body . Oh, don't worry, you won't be alive much longer ! " Luthor yelled triumphantly as his body began to pulse .
Slowly growing and expanding, his clothes were viciously ripped away by a growing, seemingly organic ebony material . Lex grew even larger than the man of steel as his entire body was covered in a shining, black armor . The transformation completed with a dark, skin tight material sealing around his skull . Leaving nothing but a new pair of empowered, electric eyes to be seen . And feared .
" I could kill you in my normal form . But then, you would actually put up a fight . However, this ….this will make you pay for all the interference you have ever caused me ! " Lex bragged as he clutched a fistfilled withbitter memories.
" Shut UP ! Do you have ANY idea what you have DONE ! " the man of steel howled as he flew fearlessly into Lex's center, pummeling him with a rage of tank-shattering fists . " MURDERER ! " Superman hollered as he clasped his fists together, cracking it onto the giant's chin; chucking Luthor half an acre away .
" Mr. President ! Superman just … " a bewildered FBI agent yelled through the recently shattered entry way .
" Saved my life ! I'll have Cadmus OUTLAWED ! " the President spoke wearily as he rose to his feet .
" Later, Mr. President ! We have to get you to safety ! Now ! Those two could destroy this area in a matter of seconds ! "
Outside
" Come on, Superman ! Is this that lethal strength that you have always held back from using ? Surely the man of steel can hit harder than that ." Lex rose, beaming, from his smoking crater without a single scratch . Unfortunately for Superman, he wasn't bluffing . Those hits were intense enough to make even Captain Marvel bellow .
" Then I'll hit you with everything I HAVE ! " Superman gritted as he boomed toward his long time opponent with ferocious speed . The ground gave way to the pure speed as howling wind seared across the man of steel's face . Superman chambered his right fist back, ready for the strike of the century, as he explosively released ittoward his true nemesis'skull .
But something wasn't right . The attack was … halted . Luthor had caught his clenched fist with inhuman ease ! This wasn't good…
" That's it ! That's the face of defeat that I have longed to see for years ! Your attack, however, was so disappointing . I thought it would have been more like this ! " Lex smiled as he cracked his right fist into Superman's chest, instantly sending the man of steel through multiple buildings half a mile away .
Pain rung throughout Superman's body as he naturally attempted to stand . But a sudden flash of ebony appeared next to him instantly and slammed him right back into the ground .
" As much as I would indulge in your demise now; I am going to make you suffer . Experience pain that will NEVER fade ! A permanent scar that you can take to the grave . " Lex smiled sinisterly as he placed his 2 ton boot on the man of steel's back .
" Luthor…"
" Admit it . You are powerless ! There is nothing you can do to stop me ! "
" LUTHOR ! " Superman roared as he exploded from under Lex's hold, attempting to grasp the villain with a vice that could crush a titanium safe with ease .
And just like that, Luthor disappeared . But not by teleportation this time . Teleportation doesn't leave a trail of howling wind in it's wake . Nor a feeling of regret for not being able to follow it .
" DARN YOU, LUTHOR ! WHERE DID YOU GO ! " the man of steel roared as he slammed his fists into the ground, causing a medium tremor around the city .
" I know where he is going, Kent . But you aren't going to like it …" Bruce regretfully informed through the comlink, steadily growing aggravated by all the drama . And Lex's hiding spot wasn't going to raise any smiles .
" Well ? Where IS he, Bruce ? "
" … The Daily Planet … "
Dr. Fate's Sanctuary
" Oh my … " Fate gasped, catching all of his current teenage guests, and wife, off guard .
" What bothers you, my dear ? " Irza needlessly questioned as she placed a loving hand on his shoulder .
" Lex Luthor has just done the impossible . He beat, no, overpowered Superman . "
The moment you put 'overpowered' next to 'Superman', and you aren't talking about the man of steel himself, you have a MAJOR problem on your hands . And that fact was very evident with everyone in the room as they all witnessed each other's fear .
" How… how is that possible ? " Robin choked, trying to get over the shock of learning that a normal man had found a way to become stronger than a near invincible kryptonian .
That meant one of two methods were used . Or worse, both . One, Batman and himself had not discovered it because it was not something having to do with the organic body . And two, it involved years of tampering with secret information within the government . Bruce never allowed himself or Robin to do that . They were heroes, not hackers .
" I truly do not know . But that is the least of our worries . J'onn has just hailed me telepathically with some disturbing news . "
" Just tell us . Nothing can make this day any worse . " Jinx spat, refusing to become a part of this 'hero-ing' . At least, not yet .
" With Luthor being as powerful as he is right now, we need every single one of the members of the Justice League . Then we might have a chance . However … out of the original 34 members … only 11 are stillalive . Including myself . "
The news wasn't taken too well . Then again, how could one react to the death of so many people ? And not just ordinary people .They were thosewho sacrificed everything to protect others .
" Who…who isleft ? " Raven tried to speak dryly, but there are some things that are too much for even her . Seeing, or rather hearing, her true concern, Robin placed a supporting hand on her shoulder .
All this pain . All this loss . Robin knew it so well ever since that one faithful night the Flying Graysons fell . He was weak back then . Practically helpless . If not for Bruce's aid, he … Actually, even he didn't know what would've become of him .
But one of the many things that Bruce had taught him over the years was this; 'You can't shield the ones you love from pain, but you can help them through it . Let them know that there is always hope . ' And he loved Raven very much . So what else would he do ?
" Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain Atom, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgi…I mean, Shaiera, J'onn, Green Arrow, Booster Gold, and myself . " Fate sighed, knowing that their chances were growing ever slimmer .
" Is that all that's left ? " Robin rose a hidden brow as he and Raven secretly held hands between their capes . They both knew that it wasn't necessary, but they loved the mystery of it . The secretiveness of it actually fit them quite well .
" Not exactly . We still have some allies around . And a couple that quit . We may…"
" FATE ! We need you now ! " J'onn suddenly ordered mentally . " We have found Luthor in Metropolis . He's using the Daily Planet as a base . The remaining League members are going to launch a final assault right now . I know this sounds odd, but Superman said he had to do somethingurgent to doand would meet us there later .We need everyone who can fight . Everyone."
" J'onn, I understand the urgency of this matter, but they are still children ! We can't expect them to be willing to fight something that we barely stand a chance against ! "
" They either fight him with us now, or, if we fall, alone . This is war, Fate . " J'onn coldly added as he knew the way war worked . No one was spared . No matter what their age was .
" Don't worry, Fate . We've had our share of overpowered villains . We'll fight . We may still be children in your eyes, but we can hold our own ." Raven intervened in an uncharacteristic quote of hope as she stared longingly into Robin's masked eyes . They both wore fake smiles, but they knew . This could easily be the last time that they see one another . Death is the king of separation .
" So it's settled . Meet us on the outskirts of Metropolis . Batman wants to have a word with Robin . " J'onn ended as Dr. Fate could feel his mind leave as quickly as it came .
" So what's the plan ? Us and the rest of the Justice League play distraction as Superman does whatever ? " Jinx asked mockingly with her arms crossed in clear dislike of the idea of playing with someone stronger than Superman . It'd be the same as jabbing a fork into a socket . And just about as fun .
" Correct . That is OUR plan, Jinx . However, with your current indecisive state, asking for you to assist us in battle would be the equivalent of you committing suicide . " Fate shut her down sternly as Robin and Raven witnessed something they never expected from the young sorceress; disappointment .
But Fate was right . Luthor wouldn't give her a moment to think . Murder would only take a second .
In an intense flash of ancient strength, Fate and the remaining Titans disappeared from sight . Even though Jinx regretted being rejected, little did she know that she was much better off staying .
Metropolis Outskirts
Not a second passed by and the trio were instantly surrounded by a refreshing, open ranged hills occupied by wounded, and very ticked, heroes . Betrayed . Threatened . Hated . Who could honestly blame them ?
" Where is Batman ? " Robin immediately broke into mission mode, trying desperately to stay serious as quite a few of the renown heroes snickered at his hand-holding with the undaunted Raven . Funny how it takes a kid to make some adults grow up .
" Ol' Sunshine is over that hill working on some suit thingy . He's waiting for ya . " Flash smiled slyly as he and Booster Gold resisted the major urge to burst out signing ' 2 birdies, perched on a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G ! ' . That's maturity for you .
Moving over the hillside with some …motivated…speed, the two Titans looked to see the Batman hard at work on some kind of odd material . It looked like fabric, but the Bat was working on it with tools used on circuitry . That's just like Batman . Always one step ahead .
" Robin . About time you showed up . " the Dark Knight frowned as a silent annoyance tested his temper while a shower of sparks flew from his creation, never even bothering to turn his head toward his apprentices direction . He could tell it was the Boy Wonder just by the sound of his steps . Years of constant training makes you aware of little things like that .
" What do you need ? This is a heck of a time to ask a favor . " Robin smirked, trying to lighten the situation . Too bad it didn't work .
" There is a slim chance that you might be able to find the chink in Luthor's armor . "
" How so ? "
" You knew Cyborg . You knew his weaknesses . One of them had to of carried over to Lex's body . " the Bat spoke in his ominous tone, letting out a small grin as he connected the final piece of whatever to his work, obviously completing it .
" And if none did ? " Raven suddenly added . It's not like she didn't know who Cyborg was .
" Then we pray . " the Dark Knight snapped as he slipped into the loose material . As if it were alive, the fabric suddenly melded with Batman's costume, making alterations as it went .
It instantly made Batman's entire attire pitch black . His cape lengthened to his feet and his mask was basically untouched with the exception of a black guard formed around his mouth . Just like Luthor, it left nothing but his ominous eyes visible .
" Whoa . I like the changes, but does it do anything ? " Raven rose a brow, always the one to be skeptical .
" This new addition to my own suit intensifies all the muscles in my body; giving me inhuman strength, adds new features to my cape, allows me to breathe in any environment, and, the main reason I am wearing this, reinforces my bones so they don't shatter nearly as easily . " The Batman spoke in a new, echoic voice that would make any common thief crap their pants . ( A/N: Think of this as the prototype to the suit used in Batman Beyond . I never really did like Terry, but I loved the suit .)
" Sounds like a total upgrade . What's the catch ? " Robin folded his arms, knowing that that much good had to come at a price .
" Don't know yet . I have to wait for 3 minutes for the suit to power up . " The Bat spoke regretfully, hating being useless even for that little while .
" There he is ! " Green Arrow suddenly broke the other's silence as he pointed toward the sky .
Sure enough, there was a unique looking figure on the very top of the stone globe atop of the Daily Planet . And unfortunately, he wasn't alone .
" Is that really Luthor ? Isn't he kinda big ? " Booster questioned as he squinted . But no one bothered to answer . Mainly because it was just way too obvious from the giant's facial features .
" Who is the girl up there with him, Batman ? " Wonder Woman thoughtlessly questioned . He always had the answer anyway .
" Kent's really not going to like this . " Batman commented as he zoomed in with his recently installed scope in his mask's eye covers, having to wait another 2 and a half minutes for total suit completion still . It was Lois Lane .
" JUSTICE LEAGUE ! SURRENDER NOW AND I WON'T CRUSH MS. LANE'S PRETTY LITTLE SKULL ! " Luthor challenged from the top of the massive structure loud enough for the entire city to hear . Apparently, when one fears nothing, their true character is revealed to all .
Oddly enough, the impressive city, despite it being a perfect summer day, was as silent as a lamb . Wind could be heard howling through the empty streets as the distant bustle of discarded trash flaked in the background . Not usual of the hustle and bustle streets of Metropolis . Guess Luthor didn't want any witnesses .
Not only that, but Lex had chosen the perfect building to be atop of . It was too high for Lantern and Arrow to reach in time and for Wonder Woman, Booster, Captain Atom, Dr. Fate, or Shaira to fly up . Not to mention too tall for Flash to scale in time . And Superman was no where in sight . That only left the disabled Bat, two kids, and …
" Hello, martian . " Lex slithered as he snatched the invisible J'onn's throat, leaving Lois to fall head first from the 100 story building unconscious .
" AZARATH METRI- " Raven instinctively began to chant . But before she could finish, a green orb formed around the falling reporter . Halting her drop immediately and placing her safely between some garbage in an alley way . A green lantern's ring works MUCH faster than any incantation apparently .
" As much as I hate to admit it, Raven . We should lay low until we spot the flaw in Lex's system . These guys are the professionals . The legends . " Robin sighed from behind, inwardly hating being left out of the action . But then again, not really wanting Raven to go into battle . He had already lost everyone else…
" Then what do you want us to do, Boy Wonder ? Kick back and relax carelessly as everyone else risks life and limb to stop that monster ! "
" Not quite . We just have to watch carefully . The moment he reveals what he stole from Cy, we'll have our chance . " Robin clenched . He was going to go by the principle that any good fighter knew . Wait for the weakness to show itself, then strike it with everything you have .
" J'onn, the Martian Man Hunter . You have quite a profile over at Cadmus . But I remember one thing in particular … " Luthor listed off, his delight growing ever more as the alien squirmed in his grasp .
" …huff… and what would that be ? " J'onn spat as he desperately tried to break free . For some reason, he couldn't phase through his armor . Or do much of anything really .
" You don't like fire . " Lex smiled as two flamethrowers suddenly materialized on his grasping arm .
" AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH ! "
" J'ONN ! " GL and Shaira screamed in unison as they flew to the massive structure in front of everyone else . Sadly, the charred remaint of their friend plummeted limply to the space before them . But before any had a chance to do anything, Luthor stompped right on top of the fried martian . Crushing any chance of revial .
" One down and soo many more to go . Who would like to go next ? Any volunteers ? " Lex slowly, tyrantly, walked toward the remaining group of heroes . Hoping inwardly that he would get a last look of drowning fear the moment before he slayed them .
" That's it ! You've gone too far ! " Shaira roared as she charged her mystical mace for battle . She never was one to THINK before she acted . And Luthor knew that .
" Ah . The traitor finally wants the sweet embrace of death ? "
" SHUT UP ! " She hollered as she flapped her majestic wings harshly, taking off briskly as the hawk girl swung her empowered mace as hard as she possible could onto Lex's skull .
But wouldn't ya know it ? It did squat . She flew around the dark giant mulitple times, laying hit after ear shattering hit . Not a single increment of pain was detectable . Deciding to help out, Green Lantern created a circle of jade copies of Shaira . All kept pounding the ever approaching murderer to no avial .
" Now this is getting a little old . " Luthor frowned with his eyes, snatching the alien by her wings while she tried to fly by . " Don't you think ? "
" Let her GO ! " Lantern eyes flared as he created a jade, iron thick fist, just begging to be thrown into the giant . But Lex placed Shaira in front of himself, making Lantern abort his assualt . Whether he liked it or not, GL still had feelings for that stubborn bird .
" I've always wondered about something, Shaira . " Luthor whispered venomously in the hawk's perspiring ear . Tingles flew up her spine . You never knew what Lex had planned next . " How fast does a bird fall without wings ? "
" No … " Was all that Shaira could manage to let out as Lex grasped both of her wings with an unbreakable vice . Placing his boot against her back, it wasn't too hard to imagine what happened next …
With her wings torn viciously from her back, her body was tossed several miles from the excessive force used on her . What were the feelings that she experiencing ? Let's just say it would be the equivalent of taking both of your legs and pulling them until they come clear off your hip .
In a word, torture .
And as with all loss limbs, the pure blood loss alone stunted your life to about 20 minutes .
" You … you … I'M GOING TO TEAR YOU LIMB FROM LIMB ! " GL roared as he blasted a massive, jade, titanium safe right into Lex's face; sending the giant crashing into the street with ravage speed .
Not even bothering to stop, Lantern created a 5 ton hammer the size of a truck as he slammed it upon Luthor's body over and over . Strategy, moves, and all sensibility left his mind . He was fueled by pure, unquenchable rage .
Not even noticing the arrival of the rest of the team, Green Lantern kept crushing the oversized tool into the ground as tears began to flow freely from his empowered eyes .
But before he could unleash yet another strike upon the self proclaimed god, two hands came up from the crater, stopping the plummeting mallet immediately .
" Temper, temper, Green Lantern . You actually scratched my arm . Congratulations . But I assure you … " Luthor glared at the jade ring bearer, instantly disappearing and eerily, yet coolly, appearing a nose length away from him .
Not even giving Lantern a chance for his brain to respond, Lex sent his fist crashing into GL's abodomen that carried him all the way to the top of the Daily Planet . Despite his protective aura shield being up,the attack made something inside Lantern's body burst, forcing blood come flying out his gapping mouth . Not dead, but some serious trauma was heading his way .
" … your end will come soon enough . " Luthor finished, wiping some peasky dust from his shoulder .
" Enough ! He can't take us all down at once ! " Flash ignorantly leaded as he, Booster Gold, and Wonder Woman headed right for the unstoppable monster .
Flash bolted toward Luthor, circling him in a furry of consistant punches as Diana and Booster laid in a destructive double drop kick to both of Lex's sides . Seeing their combined strike actually push back the juggernaut, they continued with fierce combinations; blinding Luthor in uncountable blows .
1 minute remaining until total suit completion .
Everyone, aside from the technically halted Batman and the neglectfully observing Titans, saw this as the perfect chance to attack as Green Arrow sent multiple bomb-strapped projectiles soaring while Dr. Fate and Captain Atom unleashed powerful beams of magical and atomic might onto Luthor's body . Praying that their help would be avoided by their allies .
"All of your persistence is admirable . I give you that . But you have no idea how much power I have acquired . " Lex scolded amongst the rampage that would have easily killed any lesser foe . Such as Darkseide for example .
However, lesser threat no longer applied to Luthor . With a raise of his hand, a barrier of light suddenly emitted from his body, growing of the size of the block in half a fraction of a second . And unfortunately stopping all of the attacking heroes in their tracks .
The attack looked like a giant light show effect . Mainly because it was . In the time before the light fell, Luthor had slammed the amazon and the time-traveler that flew before him into the cement with a painful double fisted slam to their backs, avoided all of the fire from Fate, Arrow, and Atom, and tripped the flash with a simple sweep .
20 seconds remaining until activation .
" That's enough fun time . Allow me to grant you all the bliss of oblivion . "
" Enough talk, Baldy ! Bring it o---! " Booster Gold began to taunt, but found it hard to finish, or rather breathe in general, with a black armored arm pierced through you . Well, your lungs and rib cage to be exact . Booster could feel the cold emptiness of lifelessness take over at a disturbing rate . Either it be eternal bliss or endless torment, death would come to him .
" Robin, I … I can't watch this anymore ! We have to do SOMETHING ! " Raven gritted, hating doing nothing but watching this…this INSANITY ! Taking off in the air, she was halted abruptly by Robin grasping her foot .
" I know, Raven . But think ! Could you even see Luthor's last attack ? If we don't find his weakness, we'll just die in vain . " Robin regretfully said back . All this inactivity was KILLING him inside . But he knew that it was the only way to beat the man-made monstrosity . Lex set his sights on the lighting red speedster, known as the Flash, with a deadly, yet challenging, glare . Seeing it as game, Flash sped to where Luthor's back would be … only to find the space vacant . Hard to be behind someone who is behind you .
The countering speedsters continued for three more turns until …
" Hey ! Where did ya go ? C'mon ! You scared or something ? " the crimson runner boasted, not hearing the approaching tidal wave of energy behind him . Seeing the force at the last millisecond, Flash attempted to dodge the attack, but it was too late . The blast consumed him entirely, leaving nothing but a sliver of red in it's wake .
5 seconds remaining …
" Ah, Wonder Woman . Why don't you show me just how strong you really are ! " the giant roared as he stood over Wonder Woman's fallen position, placing a boot over her neck . Just as the metallic foot ware came soaring down, the amazon princess instinctively caught it, using every ounce of her remaining strength to hold him off .
" Strong enough to beat you, Luthor ! " Wonder Woman yelled in vain . They both knew that it wasn't true .
" Let's just see how long that pathetic resistance LASTS ! " Lex exploded with power, sending nearly two tons of added weight onto her shaking arms .
" BATMAN ! "
Suit activation complete .
SLAM !
Was all that Luthor heard as the Bat had gotten a good, no, REALLY good killer flying side kick directly into his face . With power equivalent to getting smacked by a mack truck, it sent the giant clear into the nearby building .
" The improvements work better than I thought . " the Batman spoke in his even darker voice as his elongated cape draped over him in mastery . Placing a helping hand above Wonder Woman, he helped her onto her aching feet .
" How did you … ? "
" I was able to get a glance of some of Luthor's blue prints over at Cadmus headquarters . Using that basic technology, I experimented with it until I could convert it into a fabric form . I'm not as strong as Luthor is, unfortunately . But I can put up a fight . "
" That was yesterday . "
" Had to pull an all nighter . "
" You never cease to amaze me . " Wonder Woman smiled earnestly, forgetting her problems for just a moment . Too bad moments are never meant to last very long .
" I see you have a new toy as well . Allow me to field test it ! " Luthor screamed with a gleaming grin of pre destruction . Too bad Lex had forgotten one crucial thing . NEVER underestimate the Batman .
Throwing a straight, but very powerful, hook with enough force to rupture any part of the human body 70 times over, Luthor smilingly roared in his sought victory . And he would have had it too . IF he connected .
Dodging the blow rather easily, with a flip over Luthor's skull, the Dark Knight cracked both of his powered elbows directly on top of Lex's head, which would have broken both of them without the suit, as he landed gracefully .
" Well . It looks like you'll be a challenge after all, Batman . Oh how I will take delight in being the one who finally brings you down . " the arrogant monster clenched his fist symbolically as bolted toward the Bat with inhuman speed .
" You talk way too much . " The Dark Knight squinted as he dropped down to his knees, spinning, and tripping, Lex with a clean sweep .
Clasping his fists together, Batman wrenched them upon the exposed back of Luthor's neck, blasting the robotic billionaire straight into the ground with a searing CRACK ! For once, things were starting to look up .
" Why you incompotent … ! " the man-made business man swore before a row of exploding batarangs exploded on his face . Desperately trying to regain his vision, the only thing Lex could see was the bottom of the Batman's boot come streaming into his face . Again .
Seeing Luthor fly straight into another vacant building brought justified pleasure to the Dark Knight . But something was wrong . There was a growing pain in his chest . And unfortunately, he knew exactly what it was …
" Kent ! You better hurry ! If I keep fighting at this rate, my heart willfail under thispressure . " The Bat thought to himself urgently . Too bad Luthor didn't stay down any longer than 4 seconds .
" Alright ! No more GAMES ! " Lex screamed as he busted out of the impacted building with quite impressive power . Not many people can topple an entire building by jumping . Taking no more chances with the Dark Knight, he boomingly landed on his fists, creating a shockwave similar to the one that killed Flash . Only twice as big . Great .
Moving with blinding speed, which was practically impossible to trace with naked eyes, the Dark Knight not only dodged the blast, he moved everyone else ( Wonder Woman and Green Arrow ) out of the way . The others were attending to the fallen, or those very close to it .
" Grrr ! I will NOT be out done by you ! " Luthor clenched as he lifted his left arm directly toward the preoccupied Bat, morphing it into a cannon just like …
" That's it ! Raven , did you …" Robin grinned, FINALLY being able to be a help .
" Yes . But whatever we are going to plan, let's do it fast . They're getting massacred out there ! " The demoness spoke with pain ridden concern .
" I already have one . And this … " the Boy Wonder spoke breathlessly as he pulled Raven into a heartfelt embrace . Praying that it wouldn't be their last . "… is for if it doesn't work . "
" Robin … " Raven tried, she really did, to ask him what he was going to do, but she choked . In a way, she didn't want to know . She did not, no, COULD NOT accept the fact that she could loose him as well . Not after everything that they had been through …
" I need you to get me as close to Luthor as possible . I'll take it from there . "
" Whatcha gonna do with that pistol ? " Green Arrow gritted furiously . He wasn't one that cared too much for surprises . Especially from Luthor . " Take THIS ! " Arrow screamed as he sent a fine tipped jade arrow right for Lex's head . Rather futile, but you have to honor his courage .
" Pistol . Ha ! You wish . " Lex cocked his head as he let out a single beam no bigger than an apple, but at the speed of light . Though small, it was very, VERY powerful . For that single burst entirely consumed arrow's projectile and pierced the olive clad hero straight through his heart .
" ARROW ! " the amazon sheriked, having seen enough death for a lifetime . This maniac had to be stopped . Here and NOW !
And that was the only thing she kept playing over and over in her mind as she disregarded Batman's warnings while she flew toward the aiming lunatic . She been shot at before . Nothing new to her .
Too bad that was exactly what Luthor was hoping for . See, these weren't any ordinary 'beams' he was firing . They didn't melt things . They permently disintegrated them . Atom by every single painstaking atom . Not even the man of steel could repel this one . Let alone a pair of magical wristbands …
" Nighty night, princess . " Lex felt an icy smirk creep across his face . This all was a dream come true . And all it took was a simple shot .
" Please, don't think I can't … " Diana tried to discipline before blinding pain kicked in . The blast had burrowed straight threw her armguard into her lung like a hammer through rice paper . " Great Hera … "
" DIANA ! " Batman roared, zipping to her aid despite his heart screaming for him to stop . Thank God for his years of training . If not for that, he would have dropped long ago .
" Bru..ce, . . I … " Wonder Woman spoke just above a whisper, despite the tearing pain in her chest .
" Don't … don't speak . Conserve your energy . " If there was one thing that the Batman couldn't do, it was taking the pain and burden of loss easily . It was one of the few things that he had never overcome .
" We… we both know that it's my time . Please…don't forget…me…" Wonder Woman gave one last radiant smile as she placed her quivering hand on Batman's concealed face .
" I promise . " the Dark Knight whispered back, praying that he could do something, ANYTHING to prevent her death .
And with that final commitment, she died in peace . Though death was never the ideal thing to do, at least she was able to with love from the Batman . A feat few accomplish .
" … "
Silent brooding was the only thing that Batman could think of doing . But you have to understand . Unlike most people where horrible events make them less of a threat and more susceptible to pain, the Dark Knight was quite the opposite .
Pain was his key, his motivation, to keep on going as the protector that he is . It was the soul thing that kept him being the Batman . However, after brooding comes the next phase in the human psychy, fury .
Leering at Luthor with a look that would make the devil himself shudder, the Bat zipped right under Luthor's morphed arm, pounding him with a highly accelerated fist to his ribs .
" Aw . Did I make you ma--- oof ! " Lex tried to speak, but found it hard to under a hail of flying punches .
Batman pinned Luthor to the ground with his legs, pelting the billionarie with enraged fists until it felt natural . No heart glitch was going to keep him from his revenge . This was the exact same mind set he had when he beat up the Joker clone . Not a treasured memory .
The Batman could feel his energy being to leave his body in mass quanities . If he kept this up for another 20 seconds, his heart would surely explode . Moving off the monster with deep gasps for air, Luthor took advantage of the situation to demonstrate yet another power . Or rather, powers .
" My my . You sure did a number on my face . " Lex kick flipped up as if nothing had happened, staring admiringly into a mirrored building that was next to them . That statement didn't give the wreckage that was his mug justice . It was just like the moon . But with more craters .
" Huff… it fits … you much …better . " The Dark Knight gasped, desperately trying to regain control of his main vital organ .
" Ha ha . Maybe so . But watch this . " Lex laughed it off as if it were casual conversation as the Bat witnessed the monster's face morph right back to it's original form . Even restoring it's nonessential luster . In short, Batman had done nothing to him . Lex was just toying with him the entire time .
" Ah . Much better . Now, I believe it is your turn to experience oblivion . " Luthor spoke sternly as he placed his cannon right next to the Bat's face .
But in a totally unexpected move, Robin suddenly appeared with a shroud of black magic, bo staff armed . Running straight for the murderer in a fearless sprint, he leaped with all the strength his legs could offer as his used every bit of his might to smash his bo into the mid center of Lex's cannon arm . That was Cyborg's 23rd weak spot .
Smoke and blistering pain rose astronomically as Luthor's left arm throbbed uncontrollably . The chink had just been hit .
" You … YOU BRAT ! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE JUST DONE ? " Lex hollered as his eyes bulged with rage . Robin had just smacked his nearly limitless cannon ammo down to just 2 shots . Then his arm would become completely useless .
" If it crippled you, then I have no regret . Murderer . " Robin glared at his omnipotent foe . Though inwardly terrified, there was NO WAY he was going to allow Luthor the pleasure .
" That I am . VICTIM ! " the man made monster clenched his right fist, moving it at such an intense speed that the air bent to it's very movement .
" ROBIN ! " Raven hollered with all her might . He was all that she had left . Her home, her family, her friends . All gone . Robin was the soul reason she hadn't lost it long ago .
Her brain began to run on auto as she immediately wrapped herself in her cloak to teleport where she just was . Too bad she couldn't just stop time like she had with Robin on her birthday . Sad fact, even if she arrived in half a second, the Boy Wonder's head would be a mile or two away . But before she could even fathom another scenario, she saw a true angel reveal itself .
Despite his groaning heart, the Batman had leaped and snatched Robin . Covering both of them in a new feature of the cape, the ability to become adamantium, the hardest material known to man . Even though Lex landed a perfect hit into the center of the protective barrier, and sent it hurdling a good mile and a half away, the duo was safe . Well, relatively speaking .
Unfortunately, the impact of the landing had cost the Dark Knight more than he bargained for . Too much stress was being put against his body . And when things get too much, the brain blacks out . And unfortunately, his brain did just that .
Outskirts
Shaira's entire body, but mainly her back, pulsed with pain . The only thing keeping her conscious, and basically alive, was her strong stubbornness . Sprawled out amongst one of the countless hills that encircles the city, broken in more ways than one, she was just about out of time . But before she went down for the final time, she heard a harmonic sound . It was the renown swoosh of …
" Superman …" she spoke without a single trace of energy . Her time was near . Very near .
" Shaira ! How did this happen to you ? " the man of steel knelt down next to the stricken heroine, already knowing the answer in his guilt ridden heart .
" Luthor … you have to … stop him … Tell… Joh…n …I …"
But before she could finish, death caught up with her . Her borrowed time more than spent .
" I'm so sorry . I should have come sooner . " a mysterious, but massive, hand was put supportively on Superman's shoulder .
" Don't be sorry . Be ready . Luthor will PAY ! " the man of steel gritted, taking off to the air in a seismic quake . Accompanied by his rather equally powered ally .
Below Daily Planet
Robin rose slight shaken from his impacted cover . Seeing Batman's knocked out body didn't help alleviate anything either . But the worse of all had to be seeing Luthor's devious grimace come flying at him at what must have been 50 mph . And it didn't even phase the freak ! He would have met up with the Boy Wonder in no time if not for one little interruption .
" Stop right there . " Raven demanded ominously from a portal, her hood raised in ready .
" Little girl . You are in no position to order me around . Now get out of my way . I have some unfinished business with that wretched child . "
" That 'wretched child' happens to be my boyfriend . " Raven squinted, chanting her magic under her breathe .
" All the more sweeter . Step down, child . I have no reason to kill you . "
" Then let me give you one . AZARATH METRION ZINTHOS ! " Raven roared as a black outline covered Lex instantly, tossing the giant half a block away . " I won't let ANYONE hurt Robin ! "
" Touching . " Luthor commented dryly as he zipped back to Raven in less than a second . " But that was a big mistake . "
Raising the Titan by her neck just like the martian, Raven could feel the life being crushed out of her bit by pressured bit . Seeing her in dire need of assistance, Robin began to sprint faster than ever before . She had done this for him . He had to return the favor .
But as fast as he thought he was going, two beings aerially zipped right by him in a intense gust of power as both figures cracked into Luthor's body, instantly freeing Raven .
Not even given the monster a chance to retaliate, the super powered beings pummeled him over and over into the growing crater that was the street . When the seismic activity finally halted, Superman and another hero of equal size flew out to check the damage .
" Listen, I just wanted to tell you thank you again . I know I really hurt your feelings before . " Superman earnestly scratched the back of his head as embarrassing memories came rushing back . Then again, it's never really that hard to earn respect from Captain Marvel .
" No, Superman . I'm sorry . I honestly thought Lex Luthor had changed into one of the good guys . Well . Here's your proof . " the Captain smiled back just as earnestly .
" About time the boy scouts came out to play . " the monster rose from his temporal beating, healing the entire way up . Guess everyone can fly nowadays .
" You can fly ? " Marvel commented, totally bewildered . Who could blame him ? Who knows what Luthor could do now .
" That and so much more . "
" I've heard enough out of you ! " Superman roared as he flew into the airborne giant, smashing him into the Daily Planet . Coming out the other end of the building, Luthor's back was meet by a crushing, double fisted blow from Marvel, taking the fight even higher into the air . Just as they had planned .
Trying J'onn and Batman's comlinks, Superman urgently began trying everyone's communicators . Hoping SOMEONE who could help was still alive .
" Fate ? You there ? "
" Yes, Superman . I have just finished healing Green Lantern . What do you need ? " the good doctor spoke in his calm manner . Even in haste, they was no urgency in his voice .
" Thank God . Captain Marvel and I are going to hold off Lex as long as we can . There is no way that we'll be able to beat him this way though . I need you to think of a plan . Contact me when you got something . " the man of steel ended his conversation sooner than expected as Lex's fist came soaring for his head .
Never one to be a great dodger, the attack hit him head on . Making him lose a little altiude, but nothing else really, he joined Marvel as they continued to exchange blows with Luthor . Each and every attack blared like a crack of lightning . If not louder .
Below
" Superman . I need you and Captain Marvel to hold Lex still for a moment . I'll hit him with my most powerful spell . " Dr. Fate called from the top of the Daily Planet, beside a slowly awakening GL . He sure took a busted spleen like a pro .
" Alright . My guess is that we'll be able to get you 30 seconds tops . Get ready ." Superman called back over his comlink, combat obviously happening in the background .
" Perfect . " Fate smiled inside his golden helmet, suddenly dropping down Indian style . He began to chant an ancient spell from times of old as a magical circle enveloped around him .
Standing in the exact spot below where the trio was fighting, he stood abruptly, holding his hands in a diamond shape toward the sky . Charging the blast with just about every bit of energy he had left, his hands began to shake with power as a circle of light pulsingly grew around his fingers .
Above
Luthor was more of a challenge than both of the super powered heroes had ever expected . Even though the duo had gotten quite a few good shots in, especially the one where they caught Lex in the middle of a string of opposing flying punches, the monster wasn't tiring at all .
In a sudden change of strategy, Superman grasped both of Luthor's arms behind him . Eying the Captain to grab his legs, Marvel caught on quite fast, grasping both of Luthor's knee caps .
" What are you fools doing ? " Lex howled as the two began to drag the billionarie straight down toward the charging doctor .
" FATE ! Take the shot NOW ! " the man of steel ordered as he braced himself for a painful impact .
Below
" Good timing . When you see it coming, both you and the Captain have to get out of the way . Otherwise this will kill you two as well . " Fate warned, praying that he would not take the life of a friend .
" Gotcha . Just DO IT ! "
" Scorco Demo ZOLO ! " Dr. Fate chanted demandingly as an intense beam of energy the size of a football field skyrocketed straight up with an uncontrollable torrent of gusts .
Above
" Holy … "
" No time, Captain ! Chuck him and fly ! " Superman yelled harshly as he and Marvel tossed the caught Luthor into the dead center of the beam .
Escaping an attack of this size involved massive speed, maneuverability, and a lot of luck . Especially when the blast had the power of a miniature sun . Definitely one thing you would NOT want to be caught in .
With less than an inch taken from their signature capes, Superman and Captain Marvel dodged the attack barely from opposite sides . Who knew Dr. Fate, Mr. Pacifist, could create an attack of such destruction ?
" Fate ! We chucked Luthor straight into the center of the blast ! It … no way … " Superman's grin turned sour as soon as he saw a rather unbelievable sight .
It was true, Lex had taken the full brunt of the attack . And it had hurt him . Actually, it claimed half of his body to be brutally honest . But with his rather infuriating regenerative ability, Luthor would be up and running at full speed in no time . And seeing how weary that Dr. Fate looked after launching the attack, there wasn't going to be a second time .
" Guess we have to buy them more time ! " Marvel smiled as he zoomed into Luthor's regenerating body with a deafening crack, right into a prepared man of steel . Clasping his hands together, Superman rocketed the reforming half across Metropolis .
" Captain ! Follow my lead ! " Superman commanded as he zipped next to Lex, spinning around him in increasing circles . Seeing his plan come together, Marvel too began to rotate around the temporally stuck Luthor, creating an untamable tornado of intense proportions .
Below
" Fate ? You gonna be ok ? " GL groggily asked the shaken doctor, just barely ok himself .
" I..'ll be …fine . This … is just the after…effect of … that last attack . " Fate tried to explain casually as his body refused to cooperate as it continued shaking uncontrollably on the ground .
Lantern moved over to his magically endowed friend, achingly helping him up on to his supportive shoulder .
" C'mon . Let's regroup and think of a new plan . " John spoke in his low, baratone voice as he encircled them both in an green orb, lifting them to the ground with speedy ease .
" There's no need for that, sir . " Captain Atom said in a rather depressing tone . What he had in mind wasn't exactly optimistic .
" What's on your mind, Captain ? "
" Just listen to this … "
Above
" You two are going to have to come up with something better than a simple little whirlwind . " the full restored Luthor mocked from within the center of the tornado .
With a rather easy reverse turn, Lex immediately cancelled out the engulfing tornado in a flash . Leaving a rather wide opening for attack on the still rotating Superman and Captain Marvel .
Seeing the time as perfect, Luthor seemingly teleported above the good Captain, painfully drop kicking him through 2 rather solid buildings below . The tyrant even caught Superman's counter strike with an open hand, twisting the attack to his advantage as he sent the man of steel to the same area as Captain Marvel, colliding the two powerhouses together like a set of drums .
" Oh c'mon ! You two aren't even trying anymore ! Where is that ' Luthor will pay' spunk ? " Lex smiled deviously before getting immediately bombarded by the two blurrs .
" I'm beyond convinced . Let's get him Superman ! " Captain Marvel lead as he disregarded his childish ignorance for a moment, truly seeing Luthor for who, or rather what, he was .
What occurred next boggled the mind as flashes of light were the equivalent of several strikes . Cracks of thunderous power strung together like a musical as glimpses of the epic battle could be seen every several seconds in the slowly darkening sky . It would rain soon . But who would fall ?
Below
" … and that should do it . Everyone understand ? " Captain Atom asked around with a rather sorrow grimace . Everyone literally meant everyone . The Batman had gained time to recover thanks to the man of steel and Marvel, Robin and Raven were listening attentively as they secretly hung on to one another, Fate was still slighty woozy, but able to offer some assitance, and Green Lantern craved revenge .
" But, there surely has to be another way ! You can't -- " Robin pleaded, but it was no use .
" No . I appreciate the concern, but there is no other way . It is my duty, sir . "
" Then we thank and honor your sacrifice . " Dr. Fate complimented beside a nodding Batman . And that wasn't exactly a typical thing to receive .
" Raven, are you SURE you are that -- " the Boy Wonder started, but was cut off once again . But this time in a MUCH more loving way . Proven by a single finger placed on his lips .
" Shh . I promise you . We'll get through this . You gave me hope once . Let me return the favor . " Raven spoke cooingly, sounding far more angelic than demonic . The saying is true . You can't judge a book by it's cover . Or, more in this case, a person by their genetics .
" Raven … "
BOOM !
The asphalt that covered the roadway cracked unanimously, signifying the beginning of the rain . Beads of rain flooded over the fallen heroes as Lex found the shower infinitely refreshing . He wasn't just winning, he was becoming stronger . Stronger than anything on the planet . And soon, the universe .
But there was one who still overshadowed him . But that's for later . Right now, a plan was set into motion . First up … Robin .
Leaping onto his mentors arms, Batman used every bit of his newly made strength to launch the teen straight up . Up being about 600 feet . Right behind …
" Hey ! Lexy ! " Robin taunted, instantly equipping his titanium bo the moment Luthor turned around .
" How did -- " WHACK !
Went the staff upon Luthor's cranium, bending the weapon upon contact . What was this guy MADE of anyway ?
Robin witnessed the tyrant burst toward his position the moment before two beams of red light exploded on Lex's chest, igniting like a ton of c4 . Superman's heat vision had that effect . Too bad for Lex that wasn't the only one attacking .
Captain Marvel flew to the exact point where the monster had halted, stopping with cupped hands over his mouth as he screamed out …
" SHAZAM ! "
And not a second later the words were spoken, a single stream of pure white electricity cracked onto Lex's back, giving Robin ample time to be caught in the air by Dr. Fate and placed back down on the ground to safety . The bolt exploded with an painful, magical punch . It was the exact same power that transformed little Billy into Captain Marvel after all . See, that's the Captain's only weakness . He's a kid in an adult body . And kids don't know when enough is enough …
" SHAZAM ! "
" No no . Not this time . " Luthor thought to himself, still being pelted by heat vision and rain .
Seeing the lightning bolt coming this time, he dodged with a sudden move, letting Marvel get hit by the blast . Changing the formidable hero back into the grade schooler he truly was .
" Now isn't that peculiar . Oh well . " Lex shrugged as he swiftly waved his right arm, sending a shockwave of energy toward young Billy .
Seeing the attack, Superman stopped his beams of death to zoom to the powerless Captain, snatching him out of the way of the blast .
" Always one to be the hero . " Luthor sneered in Superman's ear from behind the moment before he smacked the back of the kryptonian's neck with relentless power, knocking him unconscious .
" SHA-- " little Billy tried to yell out once again, but not before Lex placed a blocking hand over his mouth .
" There will be no more of that . Sweet dreams . " Lex callously added as he began to apply increasing pressure, forcing the child's bones to begin to start giving away with a painstaking CRACK !
But before death could be brought upon the youth, the rested Bat cracked a fist into Luthor's temple, sending the tyrant right into Captain Atom's crushing arms . Though Billy had been saved, his jaw was broken . Meaning he can't talk … or transform .
" Do it NOW ! " Atom roared as he could feel his bear hold starting to give way to Luthor's might .
" AZARATH METRION ZINTHOS ! " Raven chanted as she formed a bubble around the struggling men .
" Nothing's getting out of this . " GL frowned, not liking this plan in the least, as he formed a larger bubble overlapping Raven's magic, forming a double layered barrier . Once made, the bubble began to rise astronomically .
" What are you doing you fool ! You can't get out ! " Luthor hollered as he was suddenly let go, puzzling him even more .
" I'm not planning on it . Mainly because … " Captain strung out as he lifted his right fist, sending it careening into his own solar plexus, leaving a punture the size of an apple . "… I'm not leaving either … "
" Are you insane ? You'll … " Then it hit the massive tyrant . Atom wasn't going to fight, he was going self destruct … with him 6 inches away . "
" This explosion will be the … equivalent of 3 atomic bombs … Let's see..you live through this . "Atom breathed heavily, his injury steadily beginning to show it's effect .
" I will NOT die like this ! " Lex roared suddenly, slamming his fists against the black and jade barrier . For once, his attacks did nothing .
" Game … Over, … Luthor . "
It would have been too, if not for one missed fact …
" Don't forget, Captain, I still have two shots left . " Luthor smirked as deviously as possible, morphing his left arm back into it's gun form .
Having a stronger grudge against lantern, he took careful aim, not letting any error come in the way of his remaining ammo .
" Nice … try, Luthor . Not..hing is …getting o..u..t of ..here . "
" Watch and learn . " Firing his second to last shot with everything at stake, well for himself anyway, he felt a bead of sweat drop from his brow as the rhythmic sound of the rain became consuming .
" What is he - UGH ! " GL gasped, not seeing the minature beam punch through the barrier like nothing at all . It had pierced through his heart so fast, it seemed as if time itself bent in half . Dropping to the ground instantly, the only thing that kept Luthor from life and death was one person, Raven .
" Oh no ! Not AGAIN ! " Robin swore to himself as raced off yet again . He would NOT let HER DIE ! No matter what …
Taking perfect aim once again, Luthor was a second away from taking the shot when …
"NO ! " Atom screamed at the top of his remaining lungs, leaping in front of the blast . Too bad it didn't account for much though . It was just another layer of material for the blast to go through .
" It's gonna hit …" Raven winced, not wanting to see her own blood . She had seen too much already . She could feel the sickening warm liquid on her face, but the impact never came . The demoness slowly opened her eyes to see …
" Robin ! "
He had dived into her, saving her from any harm . But the same couldn't be said for himself . The blast had made a puncture straight through his right arm . It was completely useless now .
" Don't worry about me ! Get the barrier back up ! " Robin screamed as a familiar pain intensified . Raven nodded quickly as she concentrated, strengthening the barrier around Luthor . Too little too late .
Lex had managed to get his hand through the bubble while Robin was rescuing Raven . Time to reveal another power .
Lifting the bubble to the very top of the atmosphere, time had run out for the good Captain . In an explosion of multicolored might, the barrier expanded to it's limit within seconds, taking Raven to her mental limits . It was like putting a battle ship in a box . Not easy .
Lasting a few more seconds, her mind couldn't take anymore . Being thrown back by the immense explosion, Raven fell back into the injured Boy Wonder, allowing a blow out of multicolor madness as the entire sky changed from red, to purple, to green, and back again . Tragic brilliance .
This bomb could have taken out the city easily, in fact, it might have even taken the state . Regardless, it had entirely annihilated the two within the barrier . But the rain never let up . Nature bends for no one .
" Is it … ? " Robin began to wonder, though he had definite doubts in his mind .
" No . It's not over yet . I can still sense his presense . " Dr. Fate answered, immediately healing Robin's wound . " Watch this arm for awhile . It'll be healed naturally in about an hour . "
" Thanks again, Dr. Fate . " Robin smiled as he hugged Raven with his renewed arm . The world could have ended right then and there . That's where he truly wanted to be .
" No thank you's are necessary . I must get to work on Superman and Marvel . Lex will return soon . " Fate explained as he hovered away to the other part of town . Super powered fights sure cover a lot of ground .
" Robin . " a familiar voice from behind called .
" Yes, Batman ? "
" I have an idea . Fighting like this is going to get us no where . I'm going to get to work on calling in some reinforcement . Tell Fate a good friend of his is coming back . " the Dark Knight requested as he pressed a button on his belt, causing the batplane to hover overhead .
Running a nearly unseeable speed, the Bat grappled the edge of a nearby building, catapulting himself from the momentum right into the open cockpit . With a roar of it's engine, the aircraft was gone within seconds .
(Piano begins to play lightly in the background .)
" Raven, you have no idea the fear I felt when I thought I was going to lose you too . I love you so much . " Robin opened up, pulling back her soaked hood in the pouring rain . She looked so beautiful . Even when drenched . He hugging her with all of his might . All of his love .
" Like I promised … " Raven smiled as she pulled away from the Titan leader . " I'm not going anywhere . " She spoke just above a whisper, pulling him in for a loving embrace .
" I'll never fight that . "
" And of course Robin, I love you to-" BANG !
(Light piano replaced by hard rock)
" NO ! RAVEN ! "
He could see the life draining out of her . A face that he will never forget . Never to leave his mind . Blood was pouring out of her, and Fate was too far gone to help . There was nothing he could do but watch in horror . Some hero he was …
Cry alone, I've gone away No more nights, no more pain
" Here we are once again . Just you and me, Robin . By the way, love the suit changes . " a nausitically familiar voice spoke from the alley way, smoke rising from the recently used fire arm .
" SLADE ! " Robin gritted with all of his might as he placed the fallen Raven carefully on the ground .
" It's always good to see a plan come together . Don't you notice something a little odd, Robin ? Have you put together that I have been the one to kill your precious Titans every single time ? " The more that the assassin spoke, the more that the Boy Wonder just wanted to pry his sorry life from existence . Nothing would make him happier .
" I must say though, that tameranian and mutant made wonderful shields ! I cocooned myself in their bodies to survive that delightful laser blast . But now it's all down to you . You are the last Titan . And you know what ? " Slade spoke with words that just seemed to seeth with evil .
I've gone alone, took all my strength I've made the change,
I won't see you tonight
" What ? " Robin barked, ready to pull out his second bo in a moments notice .
" I surrender . "
" You WHAT ? " That was a response he was NOT expecting .
" I surrender . I give up . Now you can take me to jail while you sulk over the death of your friends . Always wondering, always haunting, on why you weren't strong enough to save them . So take me to court . Convict me for a thousand years . But you know as well as I do; I've scarred you for life . And now there is nothing you can do about it . " the assassin whispered sadistically . He was loving, indulging the pain that was evident on Robin's face .
Sorrow, sank deep inside my blood All the ones around me I cared for and loved
" No … " Robin stared madly at the gravel . She promised . SHE PROMISED ! Broken . Just like everything else . All because of Slade .
" What was that, Robin ? " Slade questioned mockingly, rasing his hands in surrender .
" No . I'm not taking you to jail . For everyone you have hurt, killed, MURDERED, I'm not going to send you to some prison . "
Building up inside of me A place so dark, so cold, I had to set me free
" Then what are you going to do ? "
" I'm going to kill you . I'm going to let hell deal with you . You don't deserve to breathe . " Anger was getting the better of the Boy Wonder, proven by his immediate draw of his bo staff .
" Now what would Batman think of that ? You know how he feels about death, Robin . " Slade smiled behind his mask, knowing he hit a key cord .
Don't mourn for me, You're not the one to place the blame As bottles call my name I won't see you tonight
" For once, I don't care . I will avenge my friends . I WILL SERVE JUSTICE ! " Robin hollered as he charged head first for the assassin .
Not expecting a fight for once, Slade wearily drew his bo, blocking Robin's crushing down strike . He was still weak from the laser blast earlier . That force killed some major parts of his nerves . However, Robin was out for blood this time . Nothing was going to stop him .
Sorrow sank deep inside my blood All the ones around me I cared for and most of all I loved
Cracking his bo at speeds not even Slade could keep up with, the former Titan leader smashed his staff with a powerful side strike to the assassin's right elbow, shattering it .
This wasn't a surprise really . Robin, despite his own health, had always held back when fighting Slade . Why you ask ? Because he wanted to defeat the assassin, NOT kill him . But a line had been crossed tonight . For better or worse …
But I can't see myself that way Please don't forget me or cry while I'm away
Not giving Slade even a second to recover, Robin flipped over his nemesis, ducking and down striking with his bo . Good, but not good enough to get the rather nimble assassin .Dodging the blow with a leaping back flip, Robin raced to where Slade was going to land, holding onto his staff like a bat . Seeing the time as perfect, the former Titan leader swung with unseen strength, snapping the Slade's left shin in agonizing accuracy .
Cry alone ! I've gone away !
No more nights ! No more pain !
" Ahh ! Good, Robin . You're becoming ju- CRACK ! " It's had to talk when titanium comes flying across your face .
" SHUT UP ! You have NO right to TALK ! Not after everything you've done to ME ! " Robin gritted, tears starting to stream down his face . He had lost everything . Everyone . Raven …Slade had a debt to pay .
I've gone alone ! Took all my strength !
But I've made the change !
I won't see you tonight !
Having only one working arm and leg left makes any fight hard . Hopping around like a gimp made a devious grin grow on Robin's face . He was loving ever minute of this monster's torture .
Stomping on Slade's balancing foot, Robin side kicked his knee joint, using his other leg, with all of his might, snapping it furiously under the teen's pent up pressure . Pain was shooting through his right arm, but he paid no attention to it . He had to time for physical pain …
So far away, I'm gone. Please don't follow me tonight An while I'm gone everything will be alright
" Ahh ! I never knew you could be so brutal, Robin . " Slade breathed through his teeth, embracing the unexpected pain royally .
But instead of responding, Robin coldly grasped the assassin's useable arm, and cracked it with bone twisting technique . But he didn't stop there . He was going to make Slade suffer . Catching an on coming round off rather easily, Robin raised his left elbow, striking it down as hard as humanly possible upon the assassin's knee cap . With a cringing POP, the bone was forced out of place . Evident by a 45 degree bend at the knee cap .
Lifting the tip of his staff to the very top of Slade's adam's apple, he could finally take revenge for his friends . Justice would be finally served . But the moment before he thrust his weapon to end it all, Robin caught a glimpse of Raven's harmonic body . Even in death she affected .
" I have him here ! I can end this once and for all ! I can end this nightmare ! " Robin justified to himself in his mind, but he wasn't alone .
" Robin … He ruined my life, OUR lives … " a mental cast of Raven spoke lovingly, pointing to images of all the other titans behind her . Cyborg, Beast Boy, Aqualad, Speedy, Mas and Menos, Bumble Bee, Raven . It was so good to see them again . For a moment, Robin thought he was losing his mind .
" … But we won't let him ruin yours . You know what's truly justice . Taking his life won't do anything but make youbecome what you have feared the most … Slade . "
" Raven …"
" This was the only thing I could do with my remaining power . I'm so sorry things couldn't have worked out better . You know what you have to do . Don't forget, I will always love you . " She cooed one last time, touching his mental image's cheek a final time . And in a flash of blinding light, he was left alone once again .
" C'mon Robin ! Kill me ! You know you have been dreaming of this day ! " Slade taunted with his wild eye, trying to pull of the final part of his grand plan; eternal guilt .
" You're right, Slade. I have . And right now I would honestly love nothing more . But I have no right in taking a life . Not even yours … " Robin spoke with glistening tears flowing from below his mask . Lucky for him, Slade was way too weak to argue . All the blood loss finally caught up to him, leaving him in an unconscious state .
Funny . No matter how bad or good things get, the rain never lets up . It always falls . You can depend on that …
No more breathe inside Essence left my heart tonight
(music dies down slowly)
" SNAKE ! " a voice from above howled darkly, suddenly sending a shockwave of total obliteration careening over Slade's body . And like a flame finally snuffed out, he was gone .
Looking to the sky to see who it was that had just helped him so, no words could describe his shock . It was Luthor, no, a COMPLETELY HEALED Luthor .
" Don't look so surprised . I only did that because that fool tried to double cross me earlier . Now it's your turn to join him … " Lex grinned, reaching a omnipotent hand toward the stricken Boy Wonder . There was no struggle . There was no point anymore …
" MONSTER ! BE GONE ! " Dr. Fate roared, appearing inbetween the two . Apparaently he abandoned trying to heal the others . For that last transport used to last of his power .
" Ah, Dr. Fate . I must say, you are a lot more bothersome that I ever thought you would be . But I have read up on you as well . " Luthor suddenly changed gears, grasping Fate by his helmet . " And I know that without this bucket on your head, you're basically powerless . I wonder how much pressure it can with stand … "
" FATE ! " Robin screamed with the last of his strength, but it was no use .
Hearing the creak and cry of the bending metal, Robin witnessed yet another life being taken as he could see the liveliness being crushed out of Fate's body . His brain screamed for him to do something, ANYTHING ! But he already knew . Nothing he did would effect Luthor .
Superman was ko'ed, Captain Marvel had a broken jaw, Raven was dead, Fate was dying, and Batman was gone to get more help . More help . It was almost laughable . He might get help, but it wouldn't bring any hope . Then lightning struck, and it wasn't electricity .
What happened next would even take the most vetern of heroes off guard . Somehow, someone seemed to have frozen Lex in his place . Entirely . The teen could hear the grunting and swearing escaping from the tyrant's mouth . On this day, Robin wouldn't take a second glance at flying pigs .
Then suddenly, without warning, a golden being appeared . Human shaped, very tall ( around 8 feet ), and a look that would slay a wolf .
" Dr. Fate ! My friend, are you ok ? " the being bent down next to the recently dropped sorcerer, blood was escaping from the pockets of holes in his mask .
" A..mazo . I thought you had … "
" Left to fix any of my weaknesses . Yes . Have I succeeded ? Yes . " Amazo finished their conversation thanks to telepathy . He was the universe's most powerful being ( he single handed beat the entire Justice League and Green Lantern core without a sweat ) after all .
" Amazo … you must …help us … " Fate tried to explain, but certain pains prevened him from doing so any further .
" Batman has informed me . Amazing honestly . The irony of this situation is unheard of . But I have come to do what I have planned on my way here . " the benign being spoke hopefully . Maybe there was hope after all .
" What are you doing here you weakling ! " Luthor roared, still unable to move a muscle .
" Do you remember when I asked you about my purpose, my fate, Luthor ? " Amazo waltzed up to the monster fearlessly .
" What about it ? "
" Everything that has happened here makes sense now . You becoming a man made god with powers I possessed a year ago, my lost creation . I finally understand . "
Needless to say, Luthor wasn't liking where this was going .
" My destiny is to destroy you . To restore equality of power to this world . Luthor, we are not meant to live . "
" You fool … "
" Fate, I thank you for your kindness . Without you I would have lost sight of my purpose . " the being smiled with his eyes once again, suddenly changing his tone as he turned toward Luthor . " I am going to transport us into the center of a collapsing star 30 times the size of the sun . Neither of us will survive Luthor . The way it should be … "
But before anything else could be deduced, the andrioid waved his hand, making them both transport instantly . The only thing left was the trailing howl of Lex's disagreeance . As soon as it all started, it was over . But the aftermath was too much for anyone to bare .
As with any situation, the needed hero woke up AFTER it was all over, proven by Superman's groggy wake . Actually, he was awaken in the best way imaginable, on Lois Lane's lap .
" Wha … What happened ? Where is Luthor ? "
" Gone . Some golden boy froze him and took him away . " Lois answered with a large grin . For a moment, she thought she had lost the big boy scout .
" I'm guessing you are behind this one . " Superman pressed his comlink, speaking to none other that the Batman .
" I had to call in some last minute reinforcement . " Batman shrugged, letting a small grin creep across his face .
" Glad you finally see the benefits of teamwork, Bruce . "
" I wouldn't say that yet, Clark . "
" So much destruction, so many deaths . Isn't there anything we can do to prevent this ? " Robin walked up to the occupied couple, clutching Raven in his arms . " Bruce ! Isn't there ANYTHING we can DO ! "
There was a sudden pause . Robin had nicknamed it the time " Bruce Booster " . Mainly because Wayne came out better after the stillness every time .
" There is a way, but there is no certainty that everything will be put back the way that they have fallen today . For example, Raven might not love you . " Batman spoke rather sternly from Superman's comlink .
That last fact hit Robin hard . Looking longingly into Raven's limp body in his arms, he prayed that she would still be the same .
" It… it doesn't matter . As long as I get them all again, to see Raven again … "
" Then I'll be there in 10 minutes . "
" 10 ? That's slow for you . " Robin was amazed in himself for being able to grin .
" A certain mutant worm has been munching on my vehicles . I'll have to pull out some of the older models . "
Ha . Silkie . Memories of past experiences in the tower rushed from the back of Robin's mind . He would of shed more tears, but there would be no reason to if what Batman had planned worked . And when was he wrong ?
10 minutes later
Hearing the roar of a familiar engine in the sky, Robin looked toward the sky to see the classic batplane hovering above them . He hadn't seen it in years . Must have taken Bruce awhile .
Climbing the immediately descended rope ladder, the former Titan leader had to let go off the Raven that had loved him so . It was like tearing off his own arm .
" S- So where are we going ? " Robin tried to pull himself together . Didn't work too well .
" We're going to visit an old nusciance . "
Chrono's house, Time loop
" YOU WORTHLESS, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING, WRETCHED WASTE OF SPACE ! You invent a time machine and CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING USEFUL TO DO WITH IT ! " a rather scary woman hollered at the top of her lungs to her pertrified husband .
" I can think of one thing . " David, also known as Chronos , spoke vengefully as he pulled up his mask, activating his machine . " I can use to get away FROM YOU ! "
So, David jumped into the recently made vortex and sure enough …
" YOU WORTHLESS, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING, WRETCHED WASTE OF SPACE ! You invent a time machine and CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING USEFUL TO DO WITH IT ! "
Look familiar ? Because it is . It was a final gift from Batman for tampering with the timeline . Never ending scolding .
But there was something else in mind today .
" I can think of - AHH ! " Chronos yelped as the shadow of the Batman covered him, not too long before the Dark Knight dropped in in his frightening way .
" Batman ? Phh ! You're scared of some weirdo with ears the size of - FFFHHHH ! " David's heartless wife began to walk up to him with no fear, carelesslyletting herself get doused with a pouch of knock out powder .
" Chronos . I need to borrow that belt . There are hundreds of lives at stake . " The Batman walked into the light, extending a hand forward . He was no longer in his enhanced suit . He didn't need it .
" Su-sure . Here . Take it ! Just don't hurt me ! " Chronos hurriedly unequipped his belt, remembering all the horror stories of what the Batmandid to people who don't cooperate with him .
" Thank you . Here . " Batman smirked slightly as he handed Chronos 3 more packs of the knock out gas . " I think you need this more than I ever will . "
" Oh . Um, than- " But Chronos' response was too slow . The Bat was already long gone .
Titan's Tower, Jump City
" Wow . I can't believe this is all that is left … " Robin stood in awe, amazed by the pile of rubble that was once his home .
" Don't worry too much about it now . You need to think about your plan of action in the past . " Batman approached the gawking teen, drapped in his cape for rain protection .
" Right . I'm ready to go . " Robin suddenly cheered up, strapping the belt on around his left shoulder and below his right under arm .
" Good Luck . And here . " Batman added, giving the Boy Wonder a small box .
" What's this ? "
" It's the additions I made to my suit . Give it to me in the past . I'm sure I'll put good use to it . "
" I see . We'll, I'm off . " Robin gave a final look of thanks as he set the belt for 2 weeks before this whole mess started . But just as he was about to press the button, a familiar voice yelled from the distance .
" WAIT ! " Jinx yelled inbetween her hard breathes . Fate could only transport her so far, he was still rather weak . She was holding on to a light pink colored envelope . Go figure . They were the same color as her eyes . " Robin, give this to Cyborg . But don't you DARE read it ! "
" Uh, sure . Why not . " Robin sweated . This was becoming more of an delivery trip than a salvation run . " Alright, now I'm off . " He pressed the button, creating a 6 foot portal before himself .
Stepping into the rift in time with slight hesitation, he eventually leaped in, learning an important lesson . Time travel sucks .
What was once the scorn remains of the Tower was now the glorious building at it's greatest . And before he knew what happened BOOM ! There he was, right in the dead center of the Titan's living room . Being stared down by the entire team .
" No way … " Robin gasped to himself as a spirit lifting smile grew on his face . It had worked !
" Umm, Robin ? Why is there another Robin here who looks all … dark ? " Beast Boy had broken the silence in the way that suite him best, ignorance .
" BB ! " The future Robin yelled, shaking the jade mutant'sbody roughly .
" What's up with this Robin ? Though I have to admit, I like his suit a lot better . " Raven analzed carefully, lifting a finger to her lips. And completelyignoring the look of scorn from their time's Robin .
" RAVEN ! " the future Robin had lost it for a moment, zipping over to the hooded Titan and wrapping her in a tight hug, making her blush like no tomorrow .
" uh… Did I miss something ? " Raven spoke in her dry fashion, secretly loving the interaction from Wonder Boy . Even if he wasn't from their time .
" Oh ! Um, sorry about that . Let me explain myself . "
After about 30 minutes of pure facts, and growing fear on each of the Titan's faces, Robin had only touched the lighter details .They didn't need to know every gorey detail . And somethings had to be said to his counter part in private …
" And that's about it … "
" Whoa . Hold on ! I got beat up by some dude named Bane ? C'mon ! " Cy complained, reminding Robin of his message .
" Oh yeah, this is for you Cy . Um, it's from Jinx . " he coughed, trying not to crack a smile . Even though Beast Boy had a full blown one .
" So how can we prevent this disaster from happening ? " the past Robin questioned his counter part . Never before had he realized how much his hair gel made his hair shine .
" One, improve the Tower's defenses . Two, Robin, improve your speed dodging . And three, leave the rest to me and The Batman . "
" Glorious ! Thank you Robin-who-is-not-Robin ! " Starfire gleefully clapped her hands with her smiling manner . That reminded him of the other thing he had to do .
" Welcome . Uh, Robin, er, me, I need to have a word with you . " Somethings in life shouldn't be done twice . Too bad for Robin .
Other room
" Raven ? Really ? " the past Robin rose a brow, slightly blushing .
" Uh huh . " future Robin nodded .
" And Starfire ? "
" Yeah, have funtelling her. My tip; get her on a very, VERY good day . "
" Wow . Thanks . Tell Bruce I said hi . Er, you know what I mean . " Past Robin smiled earnestly, scratching his head in humility .
" I will . Don't worry . But I have to go . Mind if I borrow the bike ? " Future Robin grinned . It WAS technically his after all .
" Sure . I have something to talk over with certain people here anyway … Great … "
" Believe me, it's worth the pain."
" Well, if I say so." current Robin smiled.
"Oh. One last thing. Raven is an awesome kisser."
And with that, current Robin was off.
And so, Robin took the improvements and the information to the Batman . After an hour of convincing Bruce that he really wasDick Grayson, things went quite smoothly. He even got Bruce working on the suit before he headed back for his own time . What happened to future Robin, the guy we have followed this entire story, next ? Nothing. When he returned to the future, he seised to exist . Due to some key changes in the past, Robin was never forced to experience such tradgedy .
The Robin of the past did talk with Starfire and Raven . And after about a day of two of the most seismic activity ever recorded in Jump City, Starfire was just fine . Plus, it allowed her to see BB for who he really was .
And as for Raven, she could have died the same day and confused it as heaven . She was never one to receive happy things in her life . So now with the renown Boy Wonderat her side, what could possiblygo wrong? It did her soul a great awakening .And it was sweet for Robin as well .
Wondering what was in the note ? Let's just sum it up short and sweet andcall it a love/transfer letter . After seeing that, Cyborg went on a solo mission just to show her . Took a bit of convincing, but she had a true change of heart . The look on Beast Boy's face the first day that Jinx came over to officially switch sides was trulypriceless . She's now Cyborg's current girlfriend and 6th member of the Titans .
Way too many thing happened in the league to state here . That is for another day ...
Everything seemed to be coming together rather well for everyone . Even when the week of the supposed tradgedy started . Interesting how life works out.
Things always get worse before they get better .
As true as the fall of rain .
Epilouge
" Mr . President, I believe you should have a look at this . " Luthor coolly spoke as he opened a briefcase filled with paper of scattered information to the head of the U.S.
" What exactly am I looking at here, Mr. Luthor ? " the man in power questioned rightfully .
" As you know, Cadmus - "
" Has done no one any good . " A dark voice from above spoke ominously . Dropping down from the ceiling, you'd be a fool to not realize the eyes of the Batman .
" You! Mr . President ! Do you see how … wait . " Luthor began, but suddenly realized the misplaced smile on the president .
" I'm surprised you didn't figure it out earlier . " the President chuckled as he slowly revealed his true form, J'onn, the martain man hunter . " We had made an agreement with the president after showing some … convincing footage ."
" I haven't commited any crimes ! You have nothing on me ! "
" True . But I have acquired this . " Batman held out a small disk in his hand . " Does this sound familiar; new body, immortality, nuclear holocaust ? "
The look on Lex's face told it all . They snatched him before he even started ! How was that possible ?
" How … how did you get that information ? Is some kind of sick game ? " Lex sneered . He was stuck . There was nothing he could do but have Cadmus think of a new plan .
" I don't play games . " Batman frowned . It was the dead truth .
Turning to leave his intolerable defeat, he began to wonder about his odd health recently .
It was as if there were an entirely different entity within him …
And that, my loyal readers, is the conclusion to my story . I ended it where the normal story takes off . Lex really does have Braniac inside of him . But when he changed bodies, Braniac died with his flesh . And like I promised, it ended on a HAPPY note ! I broke the number one rule in all tragedies . Oh well . At least you all can't be angry at me anymore . And yes, I do realize the chessiness of the ending, put you really look into it, you see that it all fits . I used the pot holes from the show (JLU). Go me .
Thank you ALL for all of your wonderful comments and reviews ! I would not of had the need to push myself to complete this epic tale without you !
YOU ALL ROCK !
-Scar
Oh . And to answer the remaining question; Who saves heroes ? Trick question . It's more like a ' what', for time is not a person .
Hey ! You ! Yeah, I'm talking to you, reader . You've read my story . You've seen my work . Why not review ? I don't care HOW late it is ! Who knows ... I might make a sequel ...
