The Hall of Justice was a vast and beautiful room, filled with all the latest technologies. Its high iron walls gleamed in the light streaming from its crowning glory – an immense window that overlooked two views so entrancing one could hardly believe them both to be real. One view revealed outer space swathed in a blanket of sparkling stars.
and through this glimmering veil shone down the brilliant blue glow of planet Earth below.
Returning to the inside of the hall of justice, there can be seen a large table with many chairs around it, which, due to their large number, could accommodate dozens of people, but of these chairs, only five are full.
"Okay, now that everyone has gathered," Batman's voice was a low, raspy growl as he addressed the room. His gaze swept over each person present before settling on Raven, his eyes piercing through her from across the room." tell us, Raven, what exactly happened to you and in detail."
"Yes, little girl, just what happened to you exactly? was getting the creeps seeing Batman's grumpy worried face all the while because of y—!."
Swish!
The Flash opened his mouth to speak, but before he could finish the sentence a batarang was hurtling towards him faster than the speed of sound. But as expected from the fastest man alive he With his impossible reflexes, managed to dodge out of its trajectory with ease. As He watched it twirl and rotate in mid-air before...
Chok!
plunging abruptly into a nearby wall with a loud voice. Batman had thrown it with true aim and deadly intent, yet luckily for The Flash he had more than enough time and power to react and evade what would have certainly been an incapacitating blow if not fatal injury.
–But still
"DID YOU REALLY JUST ATTEMPTED TO KILL ME WITH THAT THROW!?"
The Flash said loudly, making a cartoonish gesture as he looked up at the Dark Knight in disbelief and indignation.
"Tsk"
Batman clicked his tongue at The Flash, a slow and taunting sound accompanied with a hard stare. His eyes were cold and aloof. As he simply sat there in stern silence, his gaze unwavering as if to say: 'You asked for it'.
Sigh!
Diana sighed and crossed her arms, shaking her head with a smirk as she glanced at the flash.
"Come on, Barry," She said her voice soft yet stern as She was perched gracefully in her seat . "Calm down a little. I'm sure Bruce wouldn't have done this if he wasn't confident you could slip away from it in time." Her voice took on a mocking edge as she continued: "Besides, Batman isn't the only one angry with you... Look." She flicked a pointed gaze in Raven's direction who sat opposite them at the large conference table--arms crossed and with an expression as dark as Batman's scowls.
" Once again you are calling me a little girl, how dare you !?."*
Her voice was like a landslide, crashing through the room. It had a depth to it that filled every corner of the space with its echo, it sounded as if hundreds of voices were speaking at once, and yet with every word pronounced loud and clear.
"Ack!"
And as expected The power in her words struck terror to the flash heart- she spoke as if she could see straight into his soul.
"Little g—… I MEAN Raven… I'm really sorry okay?"
The flash voice trembled as he spoke, the words coming out in a weak and faltering voice. His insides felt like ice, his heart racing faster with every word. He was filled with dread fear that it was already too late, still desperate to make amends for whatever he'd done wrong, so.
"I–i mean, you know I was just kidding, right?,... and besides, I didn't know you'd hate my joke s—!".
"Too late".
"Hm?"
Suddenly the flash felt something seize him
"Too late"*
"Whait ravAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Without warning, the flash felt himself suddenly thrust forward and up into the air. He screamed wildly as he hurtled around the huge room, feeling an invisible force gripping him and spinning him around like a toy top.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHKK!!"
Time seemed to slow down as his vision blurred with each revolution of his flight. Every time he expected gravity would take over and once again bring him crashing back to earth.
"RAVENNNNNAMSOOORY!!!"
but instead he was thrown further upwards in dizzying loop-the-loops again and again without stoping.
-All the while.
"Heh~"
Diana watched the flash, screaming in terror, with evident joy in her eyes. "He and his long tongue," she mused knowingly. "I think he totally deserves this treatment What do you think, Starfire are you the same?" She glanced over at the other heroine inquiringly for her opinion on the matter.
Starfire hesitated uncertainly as she looked sympathetically at Barry's plight before responding quietly: "I... I don't know if he deserves this treatment... but I don't deny that it is difficult to get Raven this upset, so no matter what he did...he probably deserved it... I think?"
Diana laughed hard, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Did you hear that, Barry?" she said sarcastically. "You seem to be in more trouble than you thought." While All the flash could manage was a strangled yell of surprise and terror, his eyes bulging out of the sockets as he pleaded for mercy - "PLAEAAAAAASS STOOOOOOPP!" He screamed while in the air, asking Raven to stop what she was doing to him
–But
Raven's response was short and firm. "No." She exudes a strange magic that kept the flash, the fastest man alive, aloft, tossing him around the grand chamber like a ball, with her right hand swinging back and forth in the air like a conductor's wand, keeping time with each movement of her arm. The force she exerted pushed him up one moment and down again the next, but he could only float there helplessly unable to free himself while she decided his fate. She would not let him fall out of her hold.
The seconds ticked by, one after the other, and the flash continued to be tossed around the room with little control of his own while screaming his lungs out. Some in the room watched on with amusement at his misfortune, others watched on more sympathetically.
Raven's magic seemed relentless as it flung him through walls and ceilings like a rag doll but without crashing into them.
–Until.
"Raven!, I think that's enough, you can put him down now," Batman said in his usual deep and starkly authoritative voice. And As expected, Raven gave a curt nod of acknowledgement before responding with what seemed to be hard-learned meekness: "Okay...As you wish batman." She slowly lowered her arm from its outstretched pose. At the same time the flash felt the same invisible force gripping him, now its lowering him gently until both of his feet finally landed softly on the ground below.
–As soon as his feet touched the ground.
"I hope you've learned your lesson from that by refraining from calling me a little girl"
Hearing what she said, the flash looked at her with angry eyes and proclaimed defiantly, "Did you really think that would scare me? I'm the Flash! For heaven's sake!, I'm the fastest man in the world!" His chest swelled proudly as he jabbed a finger towards Raven who watched him with narrowed eyes. "And by the way," Barry added smugly, "I've dealt with stronger pressure than this— double times that – so your puny little trick had no effect on me a—!
"You know, Barry," Batman began interrupting the flash words, a smile that did not bode well stretching across his face. "I was planning to send you off on assignment for me to Bizarro World, to help in distributing supplies and take the wounded of the battle quickly for treatment, But after seeing what Raven did to you here... I thought it best not too." He paused dramatically before finishing with finality: "...but it looks like I have no other choice but to follow through on that assignment"
Suddenly as he finished with his words Everyone in the room—Raven included—widened their eyes. But none were more fearful than Barry himself.
"N‐no..!"
as soon as he realized what Batman mean by his words, dread settled heavy upon him and spread throughout his body until every limb seemed cast in ice and paralysis.
–And he have all the right to, because...
Beyond the boundaries of the known universe lies another realm, bound by other rules and laws. This strange land is Bizarro World—Planet Earth No. 29—a cube-shaped planet with its own peculiar customs and culture, where everything is reversed in every sense from what people from other realms know as normal on their world.
Its language consists of words that have completely opposite meanings to those used in any other universe, a skewed but consistent set of standards that must be learnt for communication with its citizens to take place accurately. In this alternative reality made up solely by people who are the opposites of their counterparts back on earth No 1.
And as an example batman from that world is known to be as the world's worst detective, instead of gratest.
But even the extraordinary and miraculous realm of that universe was not granted immunity from the evils of Krypton's invasions. The Kryptonians did not merely target a single universe - but rather, a variety of them. One particular peculiarity about this one is that it held only blue kryptonite; which is void of any harm to those originating on the green Krypton - thus providing no deterrence in their attempts to acquire control over it.
But this was no easy task for the invaders, as the Guardians of the lanterns from that sector were charged with protecting it from any invasion or harm that may befall it. As well, Bizzaro, also known as "the superman of that world" proved to be an unyielding defense wall against any incoming attacks from beyond his land and repel impending threats and outsiders seeking entrance into his realm—especially those belonging to the Kryptonians that seemed intent on taking over all that he held dear.
But still this was no small task, for the Guardians of the lantern who put up a formidable defence. Despite swirling currents and flying debris from the Kryptonians cannon fires and their solar strength, they proved an immovable object against even Bizzaro's strongest blows.
But Aid came from unlikely allies, when news reached Earth 01 that Kryptonians were about to invade that world, the Justice League understood every nuance of its plight and raced to provide whatever support necessary - spaceships or soldiers or Superman himself if need be - as often as it required in order protect their comrades, so.
Pak!
Suddenly the flash was on his knees, gazing up pleadingly at the faces before him. His voice broke with desperation as he said, "I'm really, really sorry," he said in a quavering voice. "Please forgive me everyone! I promise I won't bother anyone again if you just find it in your heart to give me one more chance." He clasped his hands together imploringly as his gaze shifted from one face to another until it finally settled upon Bruce's stern countenance. "and Bruce, – please don't send me there. If there is a hell on earth then its name is definitely Bizzaro world! Please…have mercy on me!"
The sight of the flash in such a state made everyone, even the notoriously gruff Raven, look on with sympathy. As They all knew of the world or rather the – asylum where the flash would be sent and what sort of madness it would contain. Batman alone remained unmoved.
his expression was as stony as ever.
The room fell silent as they gazed upon him solemnly, a tacit recognition that no matter how much power they had, batman orders is still something which they all are powerless against. so.
"Hey guys, I think that whatever he did…he probably doesn't deserve a punishment like this," she said gently as her gaze swept from Diana to Batman and finally over to Raven. She pursed her lips slightly as she continued, "…besides, isn't it too dangerous for him to go there?" Her expression was thoughtful yet questioning – eyes alive with compassion and kindness befitting one of her nurturing nature - while the others allowed themselves a moment of silent contemplation before...
Sigh!.
Raven sighed heavily and dropped her shoulders in a shrug. "Suddenly I feel like my anger at him is so small, so insignificant, that it just doesn't matter anymore." She shook her head and looked away for a moment before continuing. "So I don't really care anymore."
Diana nodded, her gaze turning towards Batman. "Yeah," she said softly, her words echoing throughout the hall. "Bruce...don't you think your decision is a little over the top? I mean yes, Barry is annoying and a troublemaker...and arrogant and all." Suddenly the flash issued a yelp of shock at Diana's casual insulting him in front of batman himself yet despite his protestations, she ignored him with determined grace. "Anyway," she carried on calmly as if nothing had happened, "sending him there might be more harmful to him than good don't you think ?"
Suddenly Batman's face grew serious, his tone stern and unwavering. "Regardless of Barry's punishment or not," he began gravely, "the fact of the matter is this ... The Bizzaro World is in desperate need of help - especially from a speed power user. I know that the flash and us all just come back from our own separate missions, but these are dire times for that world now" He paused then and looked around at all of them with an intensity that none could miss.
His words and even the looks in his eyes could only mean one thing and they all know what it is, but still...
"What do you mean they need a speed force user?" Diana asked in a tense voice, her mind racing as she tried to fathom what this could mean. She held her breath and waited for the answer, hoping it wasn't what she thought had happened but...
Sigh!.
Sighing deeply, Batman spoke up. "Yes, reverse flash, the speedster we sent there to help with support...was reported dead this morning..." At his words everyone let out a Yelp of surprise. Unconcerned by their reaction and shock, Batman continued grimly on. "Apparently Supergirl...was responsible for his death after a long and deadly battle between them that is." A heavy silence filled the room as everyone absorbed these news with stunned disbelief.
–And after a brief silence.
Pang!
Suddenly Diana slammed her fist onto the table, causing it to crack beneath her touch. Everyone in the room was momentarily stunned into silence by this display of force, but their shock quickly gave way, as they saw that Diana's eyes were blazing with an anger solely directed at Batman. Her voice shaking with rage, she exclaimed through gritted teeth"How!?" She demanded incredulously and almost shouting. "How did you allow yourself to even think about sending Barry there when you had full knowledge that Supergirl is present in that world!?"
"Diana, it's okay, I mea–!," the flash spoke in a low voice, imploring her.
"NO!"but Diana cut him off before he could finish. Her face drawn and stern with rage she yelled back at him "No, Barry! It's not okay! It's not okay at all! Bruce knows very well that you don't have the slightest chance fighting a Kryptonian - let alone one as trained and strong as Supergirl! ... especially if it's the current you!"
"Yes, Flash" Starfire voiced out in a sorrowful yet certain voice. "Diana is right... even Reverse Flash was beaten by Supergirl, and as a result he is now dead. We could never accept the possibility of sending you to die like him... Right, Raven?" She then turned her gaze to raven expectantly, awaiting her response with an air of mindfulness that was not lost on any present in the room.
"Yes star " Raven's face slowly hardened into a determined expression, her eyes growing sharp. As She spoke with steady assurance - " In addition, I know about Supergirl's abilities; I have fought her before and the fight was certainly not easy but in the end thanks to my long-ranged attacks i eventually succeeded and drove her off...regardless!," she added quickly while narrowing her eyes towards Batman as if warning him of something more dire than what he was permitting himself to consider. "I trust you Batman... but sending the flash there alone would be too risky for his life," she said firmly in conclusion. "He is still our friend after all, and we won't let that ever happen ".
The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension as Batman's solemn gaze met every eye, each one burning their question into him. Could he really be so callous? Did the justice of other's come before that of his team members? He was the hero they trusted with making such hard decisions. All around him, watches ticked and eyes narrowed, watching for whatever clue he would give them on how this would play out; whether or not the their greatest and smartest leader could stay true to his name and still take the right decision in a manner of which all present were satisfied and safe.
Sigh!.
Batman let out a deep sigh and then spoke. "You didn't let me finish talking," he said with an annoyed tone. "In fact, Supergirl is not there anymore. She in fact left that world directly after killing reverse flash." His words caused everyone's eyes to widen as the realization of what that means began to sink in.
"Does this mean that Supergirl entered that world only for the sole reason, of seeking to kill the reverse flash? how was she able to defeat him in first place and most importantly why?" Starfire asked with a perplexed expression on her face. She met each person present in turn with a searching gaze as if looking for an answer to her question. Then she turned back to meet Batman's eyes again with hers expectant of his reply - But he remained silent.
it was clear he bore no more insight than they did.
Indeed, Supergirl's intent was ambiguous. She had slain one of the mightiest wielders of the Speed Force in a single instant, yet past that she seemed to have no further agenda. Despite her immense power at her disposal and easy ability to crush any remaining resistance standing against her she made no move towards completing her conquest or eliminating those who opposed it. Puzzlement lingered in everyone's mind as they tried to discern just what supergirl reason of actions in that world was?, as her departure seemed so strange - why would a being who possessed such immense might and capability choosen not to make use of it when got the perfect chance to? The answer lay beyond their reach, hidden beneath whatever clouds filled Supergirl's mind.
–After another brief silence as each of them was lost in their thoughts.
" Alright everyone! let's just leave the topic of why and how Reverse Flash was defeated for another time, because What's important now is .." she said, her gaze shifting from one person to the next before focusing on Batman with narrowed eyes. She stepped closer to him, leaning in so that her face was inches away from his own. " .you weren't planning on sending Barry there alone... right?" Her words hung heavy in the air, and with a tone that could not be mistaken as anything other than threatening.
The air around them seemed to crackle with tension. He in turn stared at her steadily, his eyes narrowing as he returned the challenge. His back was straight but not rigid and his fists were clenched tightly at his sides.
He showed no sign of retreat or submission even as the others in the room watched expectantly, some nervously, but all in all their ready awaiting whatever might be about to unfold between them.
And so His stare held hers for several moments before he responded.
"No," he declared, his voice resolute. "I would never dare send him alone to that world, for there is someone else, someone who is more then capable that will accompany him on his mission." Upon his statement Diana took a step backward, a step that dissolved the intense tension that was hanging in the air.
Sigh!!!.
And so The others released a collective sigh of relief at hearing these words from their leader's mouth.
"Tell me Bruce "the flash leaned forward in his seat, a perplexed expression on his face. "Is it someone I know?" he asked cautiously. Batman's eyes briefly met Raven's before turning back to the flash and answering flatly, "No, you don't know him but one of you sure does." As soon as the words had left his lips Raven's eyes widened as if with realization.
"Hk!."
her breath caught in her throat and she glanced away from both men quickly, so not to rise suspicion.
While Batman watched her reaction for a moment longer before returning his gaze to the perplexed Barry again.
"The person who will accompany you on your mission, is named Ki–!
"It will be me."Suddenly, Batman's words were interrupted by a voice whose gender was difficult to distinguish, its tone muffled and static, like a transmission from beyond the stars, wish made everyone turn towards the owner of said voice only to see a slender figure of a woman that was stroding toward them out from the teleportation device.
This figure of a woman seemed to give off an impressive aura. Her full combat pink, black and white suit, and pauldron was matched only by the black cloak hanging on her back.
around her neck hung a similarly colored helm in the visage of Thunderbird. Its large glass lenses gave off an ominous glow while the arrow holder at her waist showed what she could bring to bear if needed. In one hand she carried a unique bow which radiated ferocity and strength while maintaining its graceful shape - as if it was made for more than just pushing arrows into targets or enemies alike, With ease she carried herself with confidence and strength; seemingly ready for whatever kind of challenge might present itself in front of her.
Under their watchful gazes, the woman stopped advancing just an arm length from the table before puting her hand on her chest, and with a slight bow of her head. Her facial expression was hidden beneath the helmet that she wore. "Allow me to introduce myself," she said in a steady voice, though none could hear it behind under the helmet. "My name is Kimberly Hart – also known as Ranger Slayer." She paused and gave them another stiff nod of acknowledgement before adding, "Nice to meet you all."