I'm very, very, VEEEERRRRYYYYY SORRY! I know that the long wait might've been torture. To be fair, like everyone else outside of Fanfiction, I have a life as well. I hope you guys understand that. Anyway, I hope this chapter makes up for it. I'm gonna try to finish this story next, then I'm gonna head back to the other stories. More info will be at the bottom of this chapter!
It's a beautiful scenery of high peaks, covered completely by snow, planted with a lot of pine trees, like the Alps. Snowfall continues to take place. Amidst these peaks is a unit of officials, working in the Luthor-Wayne Climate Research Station. At its warehouses, Dr. Randall tries to repair the ham, a radio-frequency device, while Barry Allen, once known as the Flash, enters in to help her. Barry Allen is a convicted Regime criminal who was freed by Batman, giving him a second chance.
"Need a hand, Doctor Randall?" Barry asked out of concern.
"I don't know, Barry. Sat link's out. Internet and phone are down. Maybe this old ham can help us," Doctor Randall answers before turning to his direction, "Are you fitting in okay? People treating you well?"
"Let's just say people aren't thrilled to live in close quarters with the Flash, convicted Regime criminal." He laments.
"Pardoned Regime criminal," She corrects him before giving him hope, "Give it time. They'll come around" She then turned her attention to the radio and turned the volume up so she could hear, "L-W Base, are you there?"
That was when some official operator spoke frantically, "Doctor Randall? Thank God! Comms're down everywhere! These spaceships showed up, dropping a Robot army on the city. They're killing everyone," In the background, Barry was getting worried, "I'm not sure how long we can-" That was when everything went silent.
"L-W Base!" Doctor Randall was getting worried, thinking that the people in the base were either captured, or dead. She then turned to Barry, "How fast can you get to Metropolis?"
"My pardon agreement was pretty clear on "no powers"." Barry reminds the doctor, considering of his former acts as a former regime member, he couldn't and shouldn't break the agreement unless he wants to go to jail again, "The same goes for Billy"
"You think that matters when aliens are invading?!" She asked in shock before calming down and tried convincing him, "You and Billy helped tear down the Regime, Barry. That's why Mr. Wayne asked me to take you on while he defended Batson during his trial. And if Batman thinks you two earned a second chance, who are you to argue?"
Barry stood up from his seat and went into a heroic stand. He then sighs in agreement and runs out of the place while grabbing his hero suit. He then returns to the city… As The Flash!
*In Metropolis*
Brainiac's robots were rounding up innocent people. Those who resist would be vaporized. Those who were worthy would be "collected". One bot was just about to 'collect' an innocent man…. When The Flash arrives and starts taking down all of these robots. The people were shocked and somewhat glad that the redeemed speedster had returned.
...
*In Brainiac's Skull Ship*
The mastermind and Gorilla Grood (who got out of the handcuffs that Canary and Arrow placed upon him hours ago) were watching the arrival of The Flash.
"As predicted…. Just like Billy Batson…. Barry Allen has returned into action." Brainiac states the obvious.
"The task force is ready," Grood said before smirking in the end, "They'll enjoy this…."
...
*Back in Metropolis*
The Flash continued running at high speed, hoping to find and save more survivors and innocents. However, unknown to him, Deadshot, from a far building, takes aim and shoots the speedster's leg successfully.
"ACK!" The Flash grunted in pain as he fell down onto the ground after getting shot in the leg. Sure, he has super healing speed that can heal up the pain, but it still hurts like hell. He then looked up and saw one of his own arch-enemies, Captain Cold, walking towards him with his cold gun.
"Nice aim, Deadshot," Captain Cold commented on his teammate's skills.
"Just get the job done," Deadshot complained.
"That knee ain't healing super-fast at absolute zero," He aims his ice gun and blasts Flash's knee, freezing it in place.
Flash, still in pain, was clearly upset with what Cod was doing to him when there's a freaking invasion happening around! "For God's sake, Cold, look around!"
"Yeah, crazy day…. Kinda like when Superman went nuts and you went right along with him."
"Punish me later! We got to help these innocent people!"
"The same "innocent people" who cheered Superman when he executed my friends? My SISTER?!" Cold screamed in rage.
"I'm sorry, Cold…." The Flash apologies, "But you never hurt civilians. You're better than that!" The speedster then tries to get up despite the fact that his knee was still frozen and in pain.
That was when Captain Cold grabbed him and tackled him to the other side, "Once upon a time I was…." He said in a bit of remorse before angrily glaring at his speedster frenemy.
...
*The Flash vs Captain Cold!*
With Flash's speed greatly hindered by the bullet and the ice, Cold is free to stop him with his ice shots and his own fists. Eventually, though, the ice thaws and Flash's healing factor kicks in, as does his speed. At that point, Cold is no match for him.
*The Flash Wins!*
...
"Guess we both let each other down…" The Flash spoke in remorse before running off.
*Meanwhile… In Gorilla City*
Catwoman is leading the gorillas in bringing the newly-awake Harley Quinn somewhere. Catwoman calls a halt...then winks at Harley as she slices her handcuffs off. Harley grabs a club and beats on the gorillas while Catwoman whips the others into shape. Soon, all the apes are on the floor.
"Thanks, kitty," Harley thanked Selina, "I was hoping you were Bruce's mole."
"For all the good it did," Catwoman explains, "Grood never trusted me enough to share the whole "alien invasion" plan"
"We gotta help Dinah and Ollie!" Harley said before she and Selina looked up and saw Brainiac's ship.
"We will. First we need to head back to Gotham…" Catwoman said before looking up at the ship again, "If there's anything left of it…."
The two then left, intending to head to Gotham City.
*Back in Metropolis*
Flash looks around to see a few Betas scanning for life forms. He was just about to approach them until he turned around once he heard a sound of a gun being reloaded.
"Running a little slow, Flash" Deadshot said, walking towards the speedster.
"Retirement can do that to ya." The Flash simply said to the shooter who then shot two bullets at him. Of course, the speedster dodged them both in slow motion. While he was a bit amused by this, he went back being serious by running behind Deadshot and putting him in an armlock, "What's with you, Lawton?! You should be fighting this invasion!"
"Argh… Got no choice. Grodd put a nano-explosive in my head. His paw's on the trigger," He explained his reason to the speedster while pulling out a knife and stabbing himself and The Flash in their shoulders. Once Flash let go of him, Deadshot pulled the knife out of his own shoulder and turned around to face the speedster, "So whether I like it or not…. I gotta do Grodd's dirty work!"
...
*The Flash vs. Deadshot*
The knife thrust slows Flash down a bit for Deadshot to get him with bullets and fists. However, again, Flash heals fast, punches fast, kicks fast and puts the shooter down.
*The Flash Wins!*
...
"I know…. It's just business…." The Flash said to the defeated Deadshot before getting kicked out of nowhere, heading and falling onto the street. Once he caught his breath, he looked up and saw a yellow blur, which slowed down a bit and revealed to be his arch-nemesis – The Reverse-Flash!
"Grodd said you couldn't resist a good crisis."
"Eobard Thawne?!" The Flash was shocked to see him after all this time, "You don't belong here!"
"And miss the 'Return of Barry Allen'? The yellow speedster then runs up and socks him three times in the jaw.
The Flash then stood up and runs off into traffic with Reverse-Flash on his trail.
*Gotham City*
They race into the country and towards Gotham. Somehow, Reverse-Flash starts to catch up with his counterpart. With a leap over a garbage truck, he nails Flash into a car and then the fight truly begins as they trade blows amid traffic and bounce off cars. Soon, Reverse-Flash gets the better of Flash and tosses him into an alleyway. No sooner does Flash stand up than Reverse-Flash knocks him down with a punch.
"I ran a long way from the future to hurt you, Barry. But this timeline? It's all wrong."
"So go back to your own time, "Reverse-Flash"..." The Flash told him before he got violently kicked by his arch enemy.
"YOU THINK I HAVEN'T TRIED?!" Thawne screamed before explaining, "Your 'regime buddies' killed one of my ancestors–and now I'm trapped in the paradox! I can never go home…. But at least I can HURT YOU!"
...
*The Flash vs The Reverse-Flash*
As one might guess, this is an even match. Reverse-Flash may have experience but Flash was a quick learner, though. It's a knock-down speed-fest of a fight...but Flash gets one over on his 25th century counterpart.
*The Flash Wins!*
...
However, it seems that Thawne was not ready to give up just yet. He stood up and attacked him from different sides. Luckily, Barry blocked the attack while clashing with his opponent.
*Clash*
"It'll only take a second to kill you!"
"Then let's end it… Here and now!"
Both of them ended with a draw. However, before the yellow speedster could attack once more, someone shocked him from the back.
...
"ACK!" Reverse-Flash screamed in pain before falling down to the floor.
"What th-?" The Flash was shocked by what happened until he saw the one who did it, "Billy Batson?"
"Hey Barry," Shazam said with a smile before gently landing onto the streets of Gotham City, "Miss me?"
"A part of me is…. Although, you still owe me for that punch you gave me last time"
"In my defense, I still thought that you were attacking the Insurgency when I saw ya fighting Green Arrow."
"Heh… Either way, it's good to see you," Flash said before hugging his friend and ally, "When did you get here?"
"Let's just say that fate has its moments" He smiled before explaining….
*Flashback - Fawcett City before the Invasion strikes*
Billy Batson (now twenty-one years old) was walking around the neighborhood, heading somewhere. Of course, several people saw him walking. Most gave him 'hey', 'what's up?' and 'good to see you'. Some just groaned in annoyance, not wanting to see a regime criminal (former or not) walking around the streets. Right now, his adopted/foster family were in other places. His parents, along with Darla, Eugene, and Pedro were on vacation while Mary and Freddy were at the Red Sun Prison.
He was heading towards a building (which was called WHIZ Radio). He entered inside and saw the same happy or angry looks from the employees that were working just like he saw from the neighborhood. He then went to someone's main office and gave him a file.
"Here you go, Mr. Morris," Billy said with a smile.
"Woah, that's a lot of paperwork, kid," Sterling Morris smiled, "Either way, glad that you're back working here. How is everything else? Are the people here happy to see ya?"
"Let's just say that is fifty-fifty, considering that I am a regime criminal working here."
"Former regime criminal," His boss reminds him before patting him on the back, "Give them some time. I'm sure they'll warm up to ya someday."
"Yeah…" Billy agreed before hearing his name in his head.
"Billy…"
"W-What?"
"BILLY! Meet me at the rooftop!"
"Ouch…"
"Batson? Are you okay?" Mr. Morris asked him out of concern.
"I-I'm okay," Batson said quickly before heading out of the office, "Sorry Mr. Morris but I gotta go!"
"Wait, Bi-" The boss was just about to stop him but Billy already left, "Alright then…. That boy can be silly sometimes…. Still can't believe he becomes that grown cape-man. I mean, he's older in his old self now, but still…"
...
*Rooftop of Radio WHIZ*
Billy Batson started walking up stairs when he saw some meta robots on the roof, "What th-?!" The same robots saw him and started running towards him, "Oh shoot!"
Luckily, the three robots were electrified by The Wizard Shazam, "Billy! Are you okay?"
"Kinda… What the hell is going on? What were those things?!" Billy asked in shock before looking up, seeing a huge ship flying above, "What is that…."
"That is the greater threat I've warned you about…" The Wizard said
"I-I… I can't fight that thing!"
"What do you mean, 'you can't'?!"
"My pardon agreement was me not using any powers…. Even if I can, that guy, whoever it is you're probably not gonna tell me, might be more powerful than me, or everyone for that matter! And besides, I'm the weakest… and I'm dumb…. I joined Superman's Regime to make a difference… But instead I made things worse… I made stupid mistakes…. And I was quickly killed by my only idol…. I don't have wisdom… I'm just a 21 year-old adult…. Who took his powers for granted… and used it for Clark's evil purposes…."
"You're right…. You don't have a shred of wisdom in that brain of yours. But your heart is wise. And it knows exactly what must be done. I spent millennia searching for a worthy champion and no one was worthy of what I once shared with my brothers and sisters. But when you shared your powers, you did not hesitate. When you stood up for what you believe in, you did not hesitate as well. When you redeemed yourself and protected your friends, family and loved ones, you still haven't hesitated at all. For you, everyone can be worthy if given a chance. Now, go fight for your family. Go fight for your friends. Go fight for the world. I chose right when I chose you. Become…. Shazam."
The 21 year old hugged his friend before readying himself and running towards the edge of the roof. He then jumped off and shouted, "SHAZAM!" He transformed into the hero once more and flew into the air. He still was wearing his usual red outfit, but now he has a white cape and a white bolt on the front.
He then flew down towards the city, destroying some of Brainiac's robots.
"I better get to Gotham!" Shazam said, flying towards the direction of Gotham City while the Wizard smiled, happy to see his champion soar once more. The Wizard then teleported from the roof to the street, deciding to fight and defend Fawcett City until Shazam comes back.
*End of Flashback*
"Woah…. That was something" Flash stated with a laugh.
"You tell me…" Shazam chuckled.
"B-Billy…. I-I'm sorry, Billy. I'm sorry for not getting you out of the Regime earlier, for not saying anything, for not stopping Clark when he... killed you," The Flash apologized, "I know that you're alive now thanks to the Wizard, but I still feel guilty for what happened to you…. I know I don't deserve it, but…. Can you forgive me?"
Shazam smiled, "I've always forgiven you, Barry. And Besides, I've made the same mistakes as well, and I can only hope that we can find the peace we deserve" He then hugged the speedster, who hugged back.
After the two heroes let go of the hug, they then saw Reverse-Flash getting up from his defeat. The yellow speedster glared at the two of them and then left.
"Gotta admit, this day just keeps getting weird…." Shazam replies.
"You're telling me," Flash added before looking, "I don't know how many more reunions the two of us can take…"
"Guess I can come back later…" A voice said, causing the two heroes to turn around and they were shocked to see who it was.
"Hal Jordan?" Shazam asked in shock and confusion, seeing him in his Green Lantern uniform.
"No… Not today…." The Flash spoke in disbelief.
"Nice to see you and Billy, too, Barry…." Green Lantern spoke in a soft angry tone while walking towards his two former regime partners..
"I would say it's nice to see you back in green if you haven't been the indirect cause of my death," Shazam admits before asking, "What are you doing back on Earth?"
"Yeah… Who's dead hand you pry that ring from?" The Flash also asked in suspicion.
"You two know it doesn't work that way…. The ring chose me." Green Lantern reminds them.
"Even after you bailed on the Guardians to join the Sinestro Corps?!"
"The Guardians locked me up. But they also trained me to overcome my fears. I earned the second chance they gave me."
"The Guardians made a mistake!" The Flash declares before going to his fighting stance.
"Even if you have changed, not everyone can accept it!" Shazam declares as well before getting into his fighting stance.
"I could say the same thing about The Wizard and the Speed Force!" Green Lantern gave out his comeback before heading to his fighting stance.
...
*The Flash and Shazam vs. Green Lantern*
The three former Regime members come to blows. While Green Lantern has the will, Flash has the speedforce and Shazam has the power of the gods. In the end, the two knock Green Lantern down… but they both notice something about the whole affair…
*The Flash and Shazam Wins!*
...
"You were holding back, weren't you?" The Flash asked while walking to the green lantern and helped pick him up.
"Why?" Shazam asked as well.
"I told you two. I'm trying to make things right. I betrayed my Corps, my planet and my friends," The Green Lantern answers before looking down in shame, "And that's the worst part"
"You're not the only one, Hal," Shazam said, "I thought I was making the world a better place by joining Superman…. I thought I could keep him in check…. But I failed to see that he already went too far after killing Green Arrow…. Lex Luthor…. And myself… And I kinda deserved that since I betrayed the Wizard and let Luthor die right before my eyes…"
"All day I've been reminded how I failed to be a hero. How hard it's gonna be to regain people's trust," The Flash explained his side of his story before chuckling sadly a bit, "Guess we're all on that path…."
"We've a long way to go, guys," Green Lantern said sentimental, "It'd be a lot easier if we're together."
Green Lantern, The Flash and Shazam smiled at each other and fist-bumped each other, regaining their trust among them and restoring their friendships.
*Batman's old hideout*
The Dark Knight, The Scarlet Speedster and The Champion were discussing Green Lantern's return as well as the new threat invading the Earth.
"We need help, don't we?" The Flash asked.
"Not his," Batman answered, referring to Hal Jordan/Green Lantern.
"You gave us a second chance," Shazam reminded him.
That was when Batman got up and looked at them, "Because you two got your heads straight and helped take down Clark," He reminded them that kind of fact, "If he was still in charge... HE'D still be wearing yellow."
Suddenly, a heavy crate snaps from its tether and falls towards Batman, Shazam and Flash. Before it can squash them a large green hand emerges from Green Lantern's ring and grabs it.
"I'm not that guy anymore!" Green Lantern said before gently putting down the crate and walking towards them, "Look! I get why you don't trust me. But you should trust the Guardians. This ring means something. They put me through hell to get it back," He then waits for The Dark Knight's answer. Unfortunately, Batman hasn't said anything so Hal decided to walk away, "Fine. I've got my orders. Just thought it'd help if we cooperate"
That was when Batman, despite having understandable reasons not to trust GL, decided to risk it, not wanting to lose another asset to the team, "Lantern!" He shouts, getting Hal's attention, "Maybe it's time I widened my circle of trust" He finished, accepting Green Lantern to the team.
Green Lantern then walked back to them, "What can I do?" He asked.
Batman, followed by Flash and Shazam, answers while walking towards him, "You're going to Atlantis. Our circle of trust needs Aquaman and his Marines."
"Are you sure Aquaman wants to join us? After what happened last time?" Shazam asked.
"Yeah, he's been off-radar since the regime fell" The Flash agreed.
"Uhm... He didn't like getting roped into the Regime by Superman," Green Lantern rose his hand and spoke when Batman starts walking away, "He sure won't be happy to see me"
"Get used to that." Batman told GL.
The three redeemed heroes then looked at each other, knowing that they got a lot of work to do and a lot of trust to regain.
Well, I hope everyone enjoys The Flash, Green Lantern and Shazam coming back for their redemption! After looking at the PMs I've been receiving as well as looking at the reviews, I'm gonna do both! Right now, Shazam was part of Flash's level. Don't worry, I'm still gonna do his level where I'll add intense battles and fighting for him. This chapter with him teaming up with Flash to "fight" Green Lantern doesn't count because One, it was clear that Green Lantern was holding back. And Two, I wanted to make his chapter very, very special. He'll also team up with a certain person in his chapter.
Anyway, thanks for reading! If you guys have any more plans for Shazam, I'll be happy to read them on Reviews or on PMs. Please sent them out so I can have better understanding on what to do for our pal. Also, again, don't worry, the fights for him will be very intense and very long.
Now, we're heading to Green Lantern's Chapter. Might come out in a few months or so. Anyway, see y'all later!
Read, review, comment and God Bless Us ALL!