Chapter 23: One day destiny would collect….

New York (Ground Zero)

Superman closed his eyes as a mortal just a natural reflex, it was Clark Kent trying to keep his humanity in check….they waited for the rain of bullets to rain down on them, he knew that he was going to be ok but that his friends were going to be slaughtered, something inside of him started to boil…he was getting tired of being pushed to the edge, he was getting tired to be nice, to play it cool, to be the best man.

A shot came out of a young officer gun but it was pushed away buy Captain Goico, he looked at the youngster with a combination of pride and sorrow…he understands the thrill and the rush of firing on a living target, he also knows the pain and despair that comes after far, he can't avoid war, it was bigger than him, but if he could at least protect one life losing itself, his job would be done….it was the first time he felt that his time was up…he needed something else, something that would give him hope.

-! Stand down! - Captain Goico shouted to the effervescent crowd of soldiers.

The Green Lantern, The Question, Green Arrow and the "Batman" made the last stand, a testament to a life devoted to the protection of others, they had nothing left…but pride, the comfort that they made the right choices, the tough choices…they looked at each other acknowledging the courage that bind them together…there won't be last words of goodbyes, no hymns or songs about the things that transpire out here and the things that didn't , maybe all the glory they get is a 20 second insert in CNN late at night.

- !Stop!- The man known as Superman moan to the battalion, his voice was hoarse, not out of the pain and injuries, there was something else, the man of steel was a broken man.

- ! If you don't move we won't shoot! - Captain Goico said while reaching for his sidearm.

-! Ok, actually I can't move so it won't be a problem!- The Question replied and proceeded with a joke to ease up the tensions….It worked.

-! Sir, there is something or someone inside a car, he's pinned against the wall!- A corporal screamed from back in the formation.

- ! Sorry, I guess I got carried away!-The Question replied playfully.

- ! I guess you did! – The green Lantern answered toward the Captain.

For a minute or so the laughter percolated through the soldiers, proving once again that everyone wanted to avoid the outcome that moments earlier seem unavoidable.

The Freeway (one hour to New York)

The Martian Manhunter had transformed into an old man, the usual person he was around Sylvia. Huntress was lying in Sylvia's legs trying to sleep, she knew the tension might hurt the baby, being a mother was an idea she had not quite got used to just yet…. The Martian Manhunter was against the idea of bringing the girl to a possible battle zone but he knew better than to go against her wishes, he knew that human were sometimes irrationals beings when it came to love and emotions; but motherhood was impossible to stop, she wanted to be around her man and there was nothing you could do to stop her…. Humans are so passionate, is beautiful to watch them do this acts of heroism, maybe there is a chance after all.

-Do you sense anything honey? - Sylvia asked with a soft voice while touching his broad right shoulder.

-It seems that the hostility's have stopped- The Martian Manhunter replied with a dry tone.

- Do you think they would be ok?- Sylvia answered another question, she wanted to ask something different but didn't have the guts to ask, not right now…she was strong for both of them, but another lost would be devastating for her and she knew she would fold like a house of cards if anything happened to him.

- ! I guess so, but nothing would ever be the same, too much had happened!- He replied now with a lower voice…he could felt her despair.

His eyes were clearly on the road…and then something happened, his eyes opened wide….and he pushed the gas to the medal…… something is terribly wrong, he must get there…fast.

New York

-We surrender Captain- Batman voice was almost inaudible.

-Ok… Do you carry any lethal weapon? - The Captain replied mechanically.

-No- The green lantern contested, he had the attitude going but his injuries were really bad, he was wondering how much time he had left.

Superman walked toward the Battalion with the hands up…he meant no harm and he was being sincere about it…he was getting close to the Captains hands, he was going to shake on it…it was almost over, a thin red line between war and peace, something so fragile and yet so important….

It happened in an instant…. The Captains eyes went blank and chunks of flesh were missing from his chest, Superman raise his eyes in disbelieve and was greeted with a thunderous fist that thew him 100 yards away.

A powerful growl cuts the silence in ground zero, something almost human but not quite…a monster,and abomination….formerly Known as General Wade Eiling.

It has begun