Fang Chronicles: Wrath of the Paragons

by zdala

The Paragons have invaded. They know no fear, they know no weakness, all they seek is to enforce Darkseid's will in his quest for domination of earth. With most of the heroes gone due to the Apokolips War 5 Years earlier, a broken and tortured Garfield Logan is left to defend the earth. With a strange new power he must become the Moon Fang, the new face of Justice against all evil!

23. Chapter 23 The Thrill of the Hunt Part 3

Hiya Guys! Zdala Here!

Boy have I missed you guys it's been so long! Let me start by saying I want to apologize for the late update, I know i promised two months but I had some personal problems. I caught Bronchitis & walking Pneumonia, and on top of this, I also had a collapsed lung. I was bedridden for quite a while, throwing up (I lost 60 pounds), weeks-long laryngitis, coughing, everything unpleasant under the sun. Because of this, I couldn't really update like I wanted to. Thanks to my pet, lots of rest, and hundreds of trips to the DR I'm feeling much better now.

Also, I hear we have ourselves a Solar Eclipse happening today! Yeah….. That's a big nope for me! I hope you guys enjoy that, I'm gonna hang inside with my Gecko and hope it goes by fast. Anyway before or after the eclipse I hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

It feels good to be back! As always I'll see you guys at the end!

(Oh last reminder, for those of you viewing on please switch over to the A03 site in order to see the picture)

---

Chapter 23: The Thrill of the Hunt Part 3

"Ahnilate them!" Like the fury bellowing deep in her vocal cords, Vipress's whip fiercely cracked against the dance floor tiles. The three figures forthwith heard her commands before they sprang into action.

Supergirl was the first to react as her superior flying speed propelled her directly at Garfield. Grabbing the changeling by the throat the Kryptonian lifted him and began to fly him about the club, throwing him into random structures as she did so.

Deathstroke was second to attack. With his eyes set on Ryan, he brought forth a lengthy steel blade, similar to a Hanzo sword. Launching a single punch toward Ryan's gut that forced her backward, the assassin followed up with the sword ready to cleave her in two. Although slightly winded Ryan's senses went into flight mode as she began to dodge countless sword swipes.

With Garfield & Ryan occupied, Killer Frost tortured the quivering Ryan Choi. With both hands cascading with icy energy, the cryomancer started to fire, leaving a trail of frozen blasts in her wake. Ryan's Choi's eyes were unfocused as the attacks came upon him, leaving him no choice but to flee to other parts of the bar.

"On no Gar!" Raven exclaimed as she watched her boyfriend and her friends being marked for execution. Before she could set one foot to help them, Vipress's whip was cracked once again this time wrapping itself around her wrist.

"Looks like it's just you and me cutie!" Vipress shouted.

"Go to hell, Hail Darkseid!" Despite her misgivings, Raven urgently uttered the phrase before her Paragon armor was summoned. Once prepared Black Siren loaded her cog of choice, bringing forth her bow and arrow. Wasting no time she fired off several rounds striking Vipress and freeing her from the whip.

"I love it when the prey fights back!" Vipress cooed with delight before she launched herself at Black Siren.

---

-Queensland Boardwalk-

A single large chest was brightly illuminated thanks to the New Metropolis moonlight. The shine was so bright that it couldn't help but show the reflection of the hooded man from within it. The chest in question was made completely of metal, black and heavy enough that it squashed the sands of the beach beneath it. What was unique about this chest was the eight silver locks that were imprinted into its sides. To add to its strangeness the top of the chest had 'JL' proudly etched into its surface.

Legends say this chest contained power.

A Power that could surpass any magic.

A Power unseen by anything in the Multiverse.

A Power that was forbidden.

A Power that could drastically change the fabric of reality if it was ever used.

Such a power is what the hooded man lusted after.

Such a power could help him end Darkseid for good.

While the guardians were vague about what was on the inside, even he knew he couldn't resist snatching it from the deepest bowels of darkness. Despite it being in his possession, he couldn't help but shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind.

A treasure this powerful had to be used at the right moment.

With Darkseid's minions launching attacks at them at every moment, when would be the right time?

Garfield may have been strong but even for him the war hadn't reached its peak yet.

Vipresses attack now was a reminder that things were only going to get more deadly.

The Treasure as well as his identity would be something that Garfield would need to learn sooner or later despite the consequences it would bring.

But once again the question was when could he do this?

---

-New Metropolis-

-Vinyl-

"K-Kara no!" Garfield pleaded. His cries for mercy would go ignored as his entire body was forcefully slammed against the bar counter at Scout Steakout. The forceful impact sent shockwaves throughout his usually strong skeleton, which now throbbed with discomfort. Having also been forced through a wall, the ceiling, and a table, Garfield's joints pleaded for a moment to rest.

While the pain of the assault was mighty it was the memories that hurt Garfield more than anything. The last time he saw Kara she was dying at the end of a kryptonite spear that had been pierced through her heart by Darkseid himself. Between the flashbacks, he still couldn't cope with her death or even more so why she was working for Vipress in the first place.

With eyes void of emotion, Supergirl raised another first to beat Garfield into submission. Her assault would be halted however as she heard a faint tapping sound which diverted her attention toward her feet.

That sound was Lunar attacking her repeatedly with a wooden spoon he had curled within his tail. "You let go of my pal you big bully, take that, and that, and some of this!"

"Fang Fury!" Garfield took advantage of her momentary distraction, calling out for his powers. As Lunar turned into energy and went into the bracelet, the paragon armor was proudly summoned.

Now transformed Moon Fang wretched Supergirl's hands away from his throat before slamming his fist into her chest. The resulting attack sent the girl of steel flying into the wall and outdoors, leaving a gaping hole in the foundation.

"Friend, are you alright?" Lunar questioned.

"Just peachy!" He answered back. A moment of rest would not be in the cards for Moon Fang as Supergirl reappeared in a flash, this time a pissed-off scowl was etched on her face. "Kara what are you doing it's me, Garfield!"

"Friend I don't think she can hear you, I'm not picking up any signs of life!" From his viewing screen, Lunar activated X-ray mode. A detailed body scan was then done on the incoming Supergirl, showing no skeleton or internal organs.

While Moon Fang understood Lunar's explanation, he still couldn't process the situation. Alive or not, he found himself unable to strike back against Supergirl. Instead of attacking head-on as she launched punches Moon Fang could only pounce out of the way for his safety.

---

-With Ryan Choi-

Like poultry fleeing from their butcher, Ryan Choi sprinted for his life. With every step he took he just barely missed the blast of cold that was being shot at him. Despite not speaking a single word this Killer Frost was just as menacing as the original. She took sadistic pleasure in flash-freezing innocent fleeing bystanders while trying to pin down her target.

"Can't we talk about this?" Ryan Choi asked. Killer Frost's response was to launch a larger, more concentrated ball of ice at him. Not being fast enough this time, the ice collided with his spine knocking him across the room and behind the counter of the balloon bar.

With his life on the line, Ryan Choi ignored the dizziness he felt and the double vision that was clouding his eyesight from the crash. Although unable to physically fight back, the scholar found himself getting desperate and began to throw random objects that were stationed from behind the counter.

An assortment of wine bottles, mugs, glass pictures, tongs, spoons, straws, matchboxes, and deflated Pokemon balloons were thrown across the room. At his disposal Ryan Choi had everything and then some in his attempt to stop Killer Frost. The murderer would not be fazed however and easily withstood the onslaught of randomness.

"Oh crap!" Ryan Choi firmly pressed himself against the wall as he realized the attacks weren't working. If that wasn't worse Killer Frost was getting closer to him with that fistful of ice energy, ready to turn his corpse into a human popsicle. "There's gotta be something back here!"

In his fearful state, Ryan Choi's optics went into overdrive as he scanned the rest of the bar counter looking for something to use. A single lightbulb went off in his head as he noticed a nearby small oxygen tank in the corner, no doubt what they used to blow up the Pokemon Ballons.

Desperately grabbing for the oxygen tank, Ryan Choi hunched it over his shoulder before ripping off the spout. As the element was rapidly released into the atmosphere, Ryan Choi went for a match in one of the matchbooks. Striking it, he carelessly threw it into the streaming oxygen which instantly caught ablaze.

Killer Frost expressed a look of panic as Ryan Choi directed the makeshift flamethrower in her direction. Despite trying to summon ice to defend herself the metahuman was no match for the fire as Ryan Choi hoped the counter and walked toward her. As he got closer the flames intensified, setting Killer Frost's entire body on fire.

Much like its powerful properties the flames easily burned through Killer Frost's icy body until she collapsed to the ground. After reclosing the spout on the tank, Ryan Choi breathed a heavy sigh of relief as he watched Killer Frost suddenly burn away into a pile of black soot.

---

-With Ryan-

As Ryan Choi had conquered his challenge, a dance of melee weapons was going on near the Scouts Steakout.

Deathstroke was unleashing a powerful offense in the form of his sword slashes, all the while Ryan was defensively using the broomstick from her witch costume to protect her. With each slash that came down, she strained her muscles to hold her strength against his.

Changing strategies the assassin detonated a smoke bomb in Ryan's face forcing her to stumble backwards. Ryan found herself choking on the substance that invaded her lungs and covered her vision with a wall of grey. Seizing an opportunity Deathstroke sent a much more powerful slash, this time caving her broomstick into two clean halves.

Without a weapon to defend herself, Ryan's heart dropped as Deathstroke's fist struck against her shoulder, chest, and across her face. A whirlwind of slashes was to follow as his sword easily cut through sections of her costume as well as parts of her flesh.

"Damnit!" She cried as she fell backward. Although, not deep the slashes were equally painful as a thousand paper cuts.

Taking advantage of her momentary fumble, Deathstroke went full force. Holding his weapon overhead he jumped at Ryan in an attempt to stab her.

"Oh hell no!" As the blade was coming down full speed, Ryan franticly scrambled out of the way allowing it to collide into the wall instead harmlessly. Now submerged in the foundation, the Deathstroke clone tried tirelessly to pull the weapon out before continuing his assault.

With her opponent now too distracted, Ryan shelved the pain her skin was feeling before she fought back.

While still holding her broken weapon, the woman advanced upon the assassin. With vengeful fury, Ryan directly stabbed Deathstroke with both pieces of her broom. While one piece was impaled into the eye socket of his mask the other half was skewered directly into his groin area.

While the clone did not use words or sounds of displeasure, the attack caused it some discomfort. This was obvious to it stumbling backward, while slightly flailing unable to figure out how to process the attack that was just inflicted on him.

Once again taking advantage of the opening, Ryan scrambled for his blade easily pulling it out of the structure. Dashing toward her target, she delivered a swipe of retribution across his chest before delivering a final swipe through his neck.

The Deathstroke clone halted momentarily right before its head easily slid off onto the floor just mere inches away from Ryan. Dropping the sword next to it, Ryan much like RC watched with curiosity as the clone suddenly faded away into a pile of ash.

---

-With Moon Fang-

"Kara snap outta it!" Moon Fang's voice was weak with hoarseness. Digging his feet into the ground, he once again flipped several times out of the way, barely missing her fists. "She's using you like a puppet, don't you see that!"

His attempts to reach the Kryptonian would fall on deaf ears as her expression never lightened. No signs of remembrance, no compassion, just a cracking of her knuckles as she prepared herself to strike again.

"Gar she's gonna kill us, we have to fight back!" Urged Lunar.

"But give me some time I might be able to talk to h-."

Moon Fang would never get a chance to finish that statement as the clone rushed at him. The megaton power of her fist soon uppercut him, sending him through the roof and into the Metropolis night sky.

"You were saying?" Lunar asked as he and Gar helplessly ascended above the clouds.

"Let's kick her ass!" He declared.

Not waiting for gravity to drag them down, Moon Fang summoned cosmic energy at the very end of his heels. Using his feet to jump against the energy, the paragon soon found himself hurdling back toward the nightclub at an expedited rate.

Crashing through the ceiling, Moon Fang perfectly landed on both feet before coming face-to-face with the brainwashed Supergirl once more. Not wasting a second of the heat of battle, the Kryptonian flew at him with balled fists.

The fists were like speeding fireballs as they were launched. With open palms, Moon Fangs caught each fist casually throwing them to the side to disarm his opponent. Catching wind of his tactics Supergirl would increase the pacing in an attempt to catch him off guard.

"Oh crap!" Moon Fang sweatdropped. He braced himself further as the speed and intensity of the hits increased.

"Velocity increasing Gar, time to switch it up!" Lunar advised

Lunar's advice quickly sunk into Moon Fang's mindset as he prepared to switch strategy. After disarming yet another one of her punches, Moon Fang kicked the Kryptonian in the throat causing her to screech out. Jumping away from her, the Paragon loaded in the silver cog that materialized the Cosmic Staff.

Weapon now in hand the paragon lunged at his opponent. With a firm grip, Moon Fang slashed the weapon across Supergirl's chest before sweeping it against her legs, causing her to fall onto the floor. Once grounded, Moon Fang brought the weight of the staff down on her head bashing it heavily against her skull.

Although durable even the Supergirl clone wasn't invincible. Moon Fang's assault had managed to disorient her. At this moment she struggled to get to her feet all the while she clutched her head and areas where he first attacked.

With a clear opening, Moon Fang began to position the Cosmic Staff radiating with it's primal energy. The minute Supergirl was to her feet Moon Fang spearheaded the Staff as if he were a professional Javelin thrower.

Flying fiercely through the air the Cosmic Staff made contact with Supergirl's abdomen easily piercing through her tough Kryptonian skin. The moment the weapon had penetrated its target, it exploded in a fury of cosmic energy. The Supergirl clone could only scream out in agony as it was engulfed by the energy, seemingly being scorched alive.

As the attack subsided Moon Fang watched the Supergirl clone evaporate into a pile of dust like the others.

"Awesome job Gar, you sure showed her!" Lunar congratulated. The Piparoid's eternal optimism would be met with pointed silence as Moon Fang didn't respond to him. "Garfield, what's wrong?"

Inside the armor, Garfield was too busy fighting back a wave of emotions that he didn't want to feel at this moment.

"Friend, what's happening, my sensors detect a spike in your blood pressure and body temperature?"

"K-Kara." Was all he could muster to say as he fought back to keep his calm demeanor from cracking.

Much like Superman, Supergirl was a symbol of hope and a beacon of strength. For Garfield, it was heartwrenching to have witnessed her death at the hands of Darkseid. Having buried her, mourned her, and remembered her, he wanted nothing more than to have good memories of his comrade for life.

Vipresses clone had seemingly undone that.

The forces of Apokolips had desecrated her memory, turning her into mere cannon fodder.

How dare they create that clone in Kara's image.

How dare they taint his last memories of her.

"Garfield you alright?" Ryan & RC soon gathered behind him breaking his concentration.

"Make sure everyone gets to safety, I'm going after Raven!" Moon Fang's voice was steadily calm as he began walking toward the bar's exit, leaving Ryan & RC confused about his emotions.

---

-Outdoors-

A hailstorm of laser arrows blared brightly against the stars of the night sky as they were set free. Having been rocketed from Black Siren's compound bow, the arrows did a frenzy of dancing within the airspace before rejoining together, their target being Paragon Vipress.

But the Huntress would not be deterred by the oncoming onslaught as it came closer. Instead of cowering from the attack, Vipress prepared herself to dance with death itself.

And dance she would do.

As the first arrow came down Vipress gracefully did a pirouette turn causing the arrow to fall helplessly to the ground. For the second arrow, she dodged with a simple sidestep and for the third, fourth, and fifth she backflipped several times.

From there Vipress set her body off into a series of ballerina-like twirls. Imaging herself being on a stage in front of an audience, Vipress used her skinny frame to accomplish fluid but quick motions. With her body twirling and moving constantly she easily bypassed the multitude of arrows as each one just barely missed her armor.

"You gotta be kidding me!" Black Siren exclaimed as she watched her attack fail miserably.

"Is that all you got?" Vipress questioned.

Watching Vipress easily dodge her attacks, prompted Black Siren to go on the defensive. To do this she would insert the cog that summoned her rose shield to her hand. The moment that the shield was in her possession, the area started to become engulfed in black rose petals.

Vipress wouldn't be stopped by the change of tactics, however. As she rematerialized her whip in hand, Vipress lashed the weapon outward toward her opponent. Before the rose petals could fully conceal Black Siren, the whip pierced through wrapping itself around the rose shield. In one swift motion, Vipress yanked the shield from Black Siren's grasp.

"Damnit!" Black Siren cursed.

"I've got no time for hide and seek!" Vipress bellowed right before she threw the rose shield to the ground and stomped on it with a mighty foot. As the shield easily crushed into a million pieces the rose petals surrounding Black Siren instantly vanished.

With her prey now exposed, the hunt was on.

Black Siren cried out as Vipresses whip cracked against her chest. Like a thunderclap, it was loud and destructive against the sturdy armor. From there the weapon coiled itself around her the rest of her torso, making sure that she was unable to move.

Taking a firm stance, Vipress held onto her whip with both hands as she flung Black Siren toward the statue of Luffy from One Piece. Unable to escape the whip's grasp, Black Siren braced herself as her body easily crashed through the structure, reducing it to bits.

But her assault wasn't finished. Before Black Siren could hit the ground, Vipress flung her back in the other direction, this time she crashed through the statue of Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho.

And more so it wouldn't stop there as Vipress started flinging her in a multitude of directions. The Astro Boy, Ash Ketchum, Izuku Midoriya, Rurouni Kenshin, & Lupin the third statues were destroyed as Vipress forced her opponent to collide with each one. As the entire atmosphere became shrouded in statue debris, Black Siren's body went lip before she was forced to crash w to the ground.

"Argh!" Siren cried out as she tried to stand, only to be halted by the pain that was etched into her bones from the collision.

"Poor Raven, let me give you something to null the pain!" Vipress cooed while drawing for one of her golden cogs. As she inserted it, energy was brought forth that engulfed her entire hand. A gauntlet resembling a cobra was soon formed as her new weapon. Pointing the gauntlet in Black Siren's direction, the mouth opened up unleashing a stream of acid.

Black Siren was unable to fight back and soon was blasted full force by the acid which spilled all over her armor. This final attack brought her to maximum damage and in such caused her to un-transform. As her armor left from around her body Raven screamed out in pain as now her plain flesh and clothes were touching the acid.

"Now that was fun!" Vipress laughed heartily as Raven's wound began to trickle with blood.

"Gotcha!" Paragon Saber suddenly stepped out of the shadows. With Raven now powerless before them, he lifted her up keeping her hostage in a single chokehold. "You should've thought better than to try and escape Darkseid!"

"No armor, I'm disappointed!" Vipress commented.

"Like I'm gonna waste my armor on these chumps, besides you had it under control!"

She shrugged in response. "Guess I can't argue there, let's hurry now and get back to the others!"

"Vipress!" Moon Fang's voice was a potent mix of rage & worry that echoed throughout the air. His voice instantly shattered their delusions of taking Raven hostage again. Before the two could even react, Moon Fang was upon them as he leaped down from the sky.

His first action was to kick Vipress in the head knocking her away. In the next action, he snatched Paragon Saber by the scruff of his collar making him release Raven.

"Gar-." Raven called out weakly.

"Hang on Raven we're here!" RC & Ryan called out as they came to her side, rendering aid to her wounded state.

"Let me go!" Saber commanded

"You asked for it, dude!" Heeding his command Moon Fang smashed Sabers body against the base of a nearby statue. While he was cornered, the Paragon slashed his face with both claws before roundhouse kicking him in the chest.

As Saber held his body in pain, Moon Fang backed away creating some space between them. Summoning energy to his hands, Moon Fang unleashed a solid beam that struck just inches away from Saber's face.

"You missed!" Saber gloated

"Wasn't aiming at ya!" Moon Fang snickered as he pointed toward the spot where he fired.

Saber, realizing too late the true intent behind Moon Fang's attack looked in horror as the blast destroyed the rest of the statue's foundation. With its structural integrity compromised, the entire statue began to collapse. The last thing Saber saw was Sailor Moon's smiling face before it crashed directly on top of him.

"Consider yourself punished in the name of the Moon!" Laughed Lunar.

"Saber!" Vipress cried out. She could easily see her comrade buried underneath the crumbled debris when the dust settled. Saber groaned loudly as he found himself unable to escape, all the while a bloody gash was inflicted on his head.

"You're next Vipress!" With chakrams in hand Moon Fang ran full speed at Vipress. Being prepared this time the however huntress fought back. Soon both their weapons were against one another's as both stood their ground. Unable to overpower the other, both Paragons stared at each other's visors.

"As much as I appreciate the brutality, nobody hurts my Saber!" She hissed

"You shouldn't have touched my mate then!"

"Don't make me laugh you little green fool, Black Siren belongs to Darkseid!"

"After I'm finished with you, he's going down too!"

"Garfield be careful, I'm detecting an unknown energy heading your way at high velocity!" Lunar warned.

Before any questions could be asked, three lightning bolts tore down the middle separating Moon Fang & Vipress from one another.

"What the hell?" Vipress screeched

"Lunar what's going on?" Moon Fang wondered as the lightning bolts started to circle the entire area.

"I'm detecting speed force energy!" Lunar confessed. "I can't get a lock on whatever it is but its moving too fast."

"Garfield!" Raven called out from the sidelines, her body being supported by RC & Ryan.

"Raven stay back we've got this!" Moon Fang shouted back. Before he could think his next move however the lightning bolts struck against several parts of his armor."Lunar what's happening?"

"Those things just struck us, they've already caused forty percent damage!"

"Now's my chance!" Seeing Moon Fang vulnerable prompted Vipress to go forward and attack with her whip. Much like him she would be stopped as the lightning bolts struck her armor forcing her further away from him.

The three lightning bolts seemed to go faster by every minute. Through his visor, neither he nor Lunar could get a lock on the creatures as they zipped and struck his armor a few more times. As the creatures were attacking Moon Fang they also kept doubling back, keeping Vipress from enacting her revenge on him.

"The damage is rising Gar, at this rate you'll be unarmored in no time!"

"What am I gonna do?" Inside his armor, Garfield thought deeply about the predicament he was in.

If he could easily attack the enemy any of his cogs would do the trick, in this situation however, he couldn't barely get a lock on them. Such offensive attacks would do him no good unless he could somehow slow down the speedforce.

But what could slow down energy from the Speedforce?

"That's it!" Moon Fang deduced

"What's the plan Gar?" Lunar questioned.

"Cross your fingers Lunar, let's hope RC's inventions work!" Going into his compartment belt, Moon Fang opted for one of the newly created silver cogs given to him by Ryan Choi, more specifically the one created from Red Tornados EMP box.

Loading the cog into his bracelet, Moon Fang stood back awaiting its powers to activate. Sparks flashed across the battlefield as the aura of red winds started to swirl together. First starting off as an easy breeze, the winds soon spun together in a counterclockwise position creating a cyclone.

The cyclone wasted no time in making its presence known. Without warning it grew twice its size until it began covering most of the area. Its force easily tore the roof off of the nightclub and disintegrated most of the statues in the area. As Moon Fang & Vipress dug their heels into the ground to withstand the winds, Raven weakly conjured a shield of magic to protect her, Ryan & RC.

They weren't the only ones to be affected by the cyclone. Despite running at high speeds, even the lightning-bolted figures couldn't withstand the power of the winds. Being swept off their feet, they were swept into the cyclone where their real identities were shown.

"Parademons?" Both Moon Fang & Vipress exclaimed as they saw the foot soldiers from Darkseid's army.

The Cyclone would use its abilities for a few more minutes before it began to subside. As the winds died down, the Nitrodemons came crashing down to the pavement.

"Since when can Parademons run like Flash?" Moon Fang questioned.

"Unsure friend, but you better put them down before they start running again!" Lunar suggested as the Parademons started to get to their feet.

"Right!" Moon Fang was poised to go for another weapon but was cut short as the Nitrodemons were suddenly flash-frozen by an unknown beam of frost. Looking not too far away Ice gave Gar a thumbs up, indicating her presence.

"Don't worry Moon Fang we've got your back!" Superman declared as Catwoman, Harley, Deadshot & Rita entered the fray.

"Alright!" Ryan cheered seeing the heroes all gathered together.

"Couldn't have had better timing!" RC added

"Your move Vipress!" Moon Fang gloated.

Paragon Vipress couldn't help but grunt in disgust over the events that just had happened. Her hunt was going so well until those damned Parademons showed up. With them on ice, she now had Moon Fang atop of the Justice League to deal with. Even if it would make for an exciting battle she couldn't handle them all at once.

"V-V-Vipress." Saber called out weakly from his downed state.

Hearing his voice prompted Vipress to run to his aid. Sweeping the debris away with her whip, the huntress cradled Saber as she helped him to his feet.

"Yeah, that's right run away!"

"This isn't over Moon Fang, you have no idea what kind of destruction I plan to unleash on New Metropolis!" She spat

"We won't let you hurt anyone else!"

"We Moon Fang?" Her voice was playful as he uttered the word. "Are you sure you can trust those around you, after all they haven't exactly been honest with you!"

"What are you talking about?" Moon Fang asked.

"Ask the league about Robotman & Negativeman!" She commanded. "And while you're at it, you might wanna ask your bestie and lover about Black Siren returning!"

"Black Siren returning." Moon Fang's voice was singed in worry as he turned his attention to Raven. "Rae?"

"Once you've chewed over that, you'll hear from me again!" With that Paragon Vipress and Saber vanished into the shadows leaving the group by themselves once more.

The minute that Vipress was gone, Moon Fang immediately de-morphed back into his and Lunar's separate forms. No longer in the armor, Garfield couldn't help but look at the destruction done to the nightclub as well as the frozen NitroDemons. Once he was done gazing at those, he tried to lock sight with Rita, Raven, & Ryan all of whom refused to meet his gaze.

"Is there something someone wants to tell me?" Garfield inquired. His question would be met with silence as the sound of paramedics and other officers could be heard from a far distance.

---

-Gotham City-

-Unknown Warehouse-

Like many things in Gotham, crime never sleeps. The False Face Society was the best organization to prove that fact. Having peddled their vials of Snakebite to the innocent students of Gotham U, the gangsters retreated to their hideaway tucked far away in the Diamond District.

"Come on you slobs hussle, hussle, hussle, we've got deadlines to meet!" The Panda masked man from Gotham U was once again overseeing the assignment.

Like good little worker bees, the lower grunts of the society were busy loading storage boxes of Snakebite into several semi trucks with their trunks open. Although the workers were great in numbers, it didn't minimize the work as hundreds of boxes were littered over the warehouse still needing to be loaded.

"Hey man, the report came out!" A coyote-masked man shouted as he ran up to him with a single clipboard in hand.

"Let me see." He said as he analyzed the data "Three hundred students that's gotta be a record for us!"

"By morning each of those brats will be clawing at our door for more Snakebite!"

"Black Mask is gonna love this!" The Panda man answered. "We better get a move on though with our timetable, it looks like our next stop is Wayne Community College Center!"

"Emergency, emergency!" A short man wearing a warthog mask cried out. The Panda & Coyote masked man, tilted their heads in confusion as they saw him running from across the

warehouse. "Sound the alarm, Intruders just broke through our security barricade outside!"

"Seriously fuck!"

"Everyone man your stations we've got visitors!"

The alert was an immediate call to arms to all members. Abruptly stopping their loading process, the members of False Face wasted no time in arming themselves with AK-47's, shotguns, pistols, or whatever crude weapons they could find. Once each of the members were armed they concentrated their attention on the front entrance, ready to slaughter anyone that dared to cross in their strongholds.

"Black Mask is having a contest, today boys, he said whoever kills the most officers gets a fifty-thousand dollar bonus!" The Panda man exclaimed.

"Sounds good to me, let's kill some pigs!" The Coyote man cheered.

Little did the crew know, they weren't about to deal with ordinary run-of-the-mill cops. While their attention was so focused on the main entrance, they neglected to turn their attention to right above them. Chaotically a section of the roof came crashing down toward the warehouse grounds, leaving a massive hole in its place.

At the entrance to the hole stood five individuals cloaked with shadow, five individuals who were more than eager to disrupt Black Mask's plans.

"Fire!" On the Panda man's orders, the troops were trigger-happy sending bullets flying in that direction.

The five strangers immediately sprung into action, avoiding the bullets and jumping down into the warehouse. Once landed the five split up into separate units to further combat the threat that overwhelmed them.

The first stranger carried some type of blade weapon. The minute she was down she made a beeline for some of the gangsters. One by one she started to cut them down like bamboo in a Japanese forest. With her blade, she easily left a wake of injured soldiers with sword slashes in them.

The second had dual pistols on him. He seemed to be that of a master marksman as he easily shot his foes one after the other. The False Face members were easily outmatched as the bullets hit vital areas, crippling them for the rest of the battle.

The third took a Batman-like approach to the situation. With his bare hands, he charged at another group, landing rib-crushing blows and organ-obliterating kicks. Even with guns, the masked men were helpless against his brutal might.

The fourth had meta powers. As they summoned bright light energy to their palms they blasted the members of False Face away with a single blow. Despite firing on the stranger, the bullets also seemingly had no effect as they were deflected from his torso.

The last individual seemed to be some sort of hunter. With a single small knife in hand, he ran like lightning toward his targets delivering stabbing wounds to their stomaches, shoulders, and various parts of their lives. Similar to gutting a fish the men were powerless against his quick assaults.

Despite the edge the five started with, even they were still vastly outnumbered. As more bullets and gangsters descended upon the area, it became very evident that the hectic sight would go on until only one side became victorious.

---

-Elsewhere-

What makes the perfect first date?

Flowers?

A Nice Outfit?

A Cheesy rom-com movie?

Dinner in a five-star restaurant?

While these were all acceptable answers, Jo & Imani had their ideas when it came to making a first date. Under the enchanting embrace of the night sky, speckled with stars like scattered diamonds, Jo and Imani found themselves seated on a quaint wooden bench in the newly renovated Robinson Park.

Ironically for their first date, the women ate ice cream cones while watching the cooling waters of a fountain splash about nearby. With nighttime now strangling Gotham, most of the patrons had headed away from the area leaving the girls by their lonesome. The gentle glow of nearby streetlights bathed them in a soft warm light adding a sort of ethereal quality to the scene.

As much as Jo hated to admit it, she was comfortable.

Leaving the burdens of work behind she easily embraced the normalcy of life that other people got to enjoy regularly.

"This is sweet!" Jo said

"Are you talking about our date or the hazelnut ice cream?" Imani inquired while giving her a mischievous but playful wink.

"Both things can be the truth ya know!" She laughed. "But I will admit this date is pretty awesome, it's nice not to worry about bad guys or bills due!"

"I tried to get you out here before but you were always so busy and well-." Imani found herself

losing her train of thought as she abruptly stopped. Taking her attention away from Jo she now focused on the sweet treat right before her.

Jo raised a single eyebrow at her behavior. "Something you wanted to say?"

There was a lot that Imani wanted to ask, but even she didn't want to ruin their first date by giving her the third degree. Instead of going for the direct approach she instead went for only one question that would hopefully fill in her burning wonders. "Are you still in love with Ryan?"

The question caused Jo to take more Ice cream than she had anticipated. The Intense cold suddenly hit the back of her throat, making her choke. Jo would break into a series of violent coughs and she struggled to regain her composure. When the incident had subsided she adjusted her collar while refusing to look Imani in the eye. "Where did that come from?"

"Ya'll haven't been together in ages yet you always bring her up, sounds like you caught feelings!" She admitted with a frown.

This sudden line of questioning caused Jo's face to light up with a Cheshire cat grin. "Jealous are we?"

"N-N-No I'm not jealous!" It was Imani's turn to choke on her Ice Cream. "I just wanna know what you guys had together!"

"You're a black lesbian you should already know how hard it is to make a connection in this world!"

"Oooh so she's just a friend with benefits eh?"

"I'll never tell!"

"Hmph, fine but whatever she is I'm going to do my best to make sure you forget about her!" Imani stated

"Oooh someone's riled up!"

"You bet I am!" She grinned. "I'm on an adventure for your heart Jo, just you watch I'll make you forget about Ryan!"

The girls would share a final chuckle before returning to their ice cream date. While Imani was thinking of ways to beat out her rival, Jo couldn't help but stare at the stars that illuminated the two of them.

Such a pointed question from Imani couldn't help but nag Jo at her core.

Even though she couldn't see Ryan, was she still in love with her?

All Jo had was memories to keep her warm at night, but even that had started to fade over the last few years.

She longed for the touch of intimacy, the memories that would bring some light into her darkened life.

If she let go of Ryan, could Imani be the one to give her what she wants?

As always these were questions she did not have the answers to. Not wanting to bogg herself down, she placed a single hand over Imani's as the two just enjoyed one another's company.

---

-Elsewhere-

The seeds of villainy were once again in place to bloom a beautiful flower of destruction.

Such thoughts of chaos & profit did Roman's heart good. Deciding to capitalize on the good vibes, he retreated to the private settings of his office. Reclined back in a plush armchair, the cosmetics mogul gradually made love to his bottle of Gin while his sights were peeled toward the television his crew set up for him in the corner.

The Gotham Symphony was hosting an opera tonight. In attendance were Gotham's usual wealthy and famous, each seated as they watched an overweight woman in a Viking costume belt her lungs out for the world to hear. Being in the upper class, one was expected to attend such drab events all the time.

Roman himself had been invited by that affluent whore Veronica Vreeland. Despite this, he'd rather gouge out his eyes with a potato peeler than be a part of their social clique. If he were being honest, the only reason he was watching the tv was to capitalize on the peace he had finally seized.

Being a CEO plus a demented supervillain was extremely exhausting. He had to be the mastermind at all times, which meant thinking five steps ahead of everyone else. Such constant advanced thinking not only depleted his energy but made him realize the importance of self-care.

Downing more than half of his beverage Roman found his eyelids growing heavy, eager to bring him into restful arms of dreamland. Not that he would complain, however, a few minutes of sleep were just what he needed to regain his strength.

"Roman!"

And just like that a banshee-like scream erupted. Easily disturbing his sleep, a startled Roman frantically grabbed for the two glocks he kept on his desk next to his skull mask.

"Roman!" Enigma's voice could be heard as she called out to her boss once more. It wasn't long before she entered his domain. Following behind her was Liam, Ethan Cobblepot, and the unfortunate bickerings of Poison Mary & Magpie.

"Doesn't anyone knock anymore?" He groaned with displeasure.

Before he could even ask what was going on Magpie had appeared in front of him. "Boss for the love of God can we please get rid of this vine slut, she's such an eyesore!"

"Eyesore!" Poison Mary snapped back as she appeared in front of Roman as well. "Have you tried looking in a mirror lately, you look like a busted queen from Drag Race!"

"What's all this now?" Roman questioned again.

"You're two femme fatals aren't exactly getting along Roman!" Enigma explained.

"I'd say this be a case of one vixen too many sir!" Liam added.

"It's not my fault though!" Mary cried. "She hasn't stopped making fun of my appearance since I freed her!"

"Why not just look at her!" Magpie pointed with an accusatory finger. "Is that outfit supposed to be sexy, who the hell would want to fuck her?"

"An Arborsexual!" Liam replied with his nerd knowledge.

"A what?"

"An Arborsexual, ya know a person attracted to trees!"

Magpie's face twisted in disgust at his explanation. "That's a thing?"

"Ewww." Mary said

"Oh yes definitely, in fact, I believe there are some in Gotham!"

"See that's why I hate this city, there isn't a single normal person living here!" Interjected Enigma.

"Forget about that boss I don't want to work with her!"

"Neither do I!"

"I'm gonna need stronger booze!" Groaned a tired Roman as the girls started to hurl insults at one another again. He was growing exasperated just listening to them all babble on about nothing. That was another thing difficult about his job, dealing with supervillain divas who don't know how to play nice.

"Alright everybody now shut the hell up!" Ethan's voice was loud and boisterous as he suddenly yelled out for all the room to hear. Having not said anything when they entered, the gang fixed him a look of surprise at his sudden outburst.

"Ahh Ethan, I knew there was a reason I kept you around." Chuckled Roman

"This isn't a laughing matter old man, I want out and I want it now!"

His sudden change of attitude caused Roman to fix him a questionable look. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, that's right Roman." Enigma sheepishly chimed in. "On the way over here, MR Cobblepot expressed to me several times that he no longer wishes to be a member of False Face!"

"Thanks to your Snakebite operation I'm now all over the news!" Ethan wept. "My stocks at Vicform are plummeting because everyone in Gotham thinks I'm a criminal!"

"What's your point? Inquired Roman with a bored tone.

"My point is that I'm not risking my livelihood just to support some wannabe supervillain!" He shot back as he turned his attention toward the exit.

Ethan thought he held the higher ground. He thought he could say & do whatever pleased him against Roman. This was a soft bubble of an illusion he had been living in.

He would not even get his hand on the door before shots rang out. Two sturdy but raging bullets easily slid past his body embedding themselves into the wall where they would forever reign.

Ethan's already pale complexion seemed to grow whiter signaling the fright that was settling in. His heart dropped into his stomach while the hears on his neck began to stand up from the two gunshots. Slowly turning back around Ethan was greeted by the sight of two smoking guns, being held by Roman.

No not Roman, Roman was the easygoing man that was before him just moments ago. Ethan failed to remember who he was talking to. Having disrespected Roman, he now had to deal with his costumed alter ego, Black Mask.

"Who the hell do you think you're talking to?" Black Mask's voice was lower, more gruff, having an edge to it that could cut you to the quick. Knowing what was to come, Enigma, Mary, Liam, & Magpie stood silently as they backed themselves against the wall. Black Mask took advantage of his prey's fear, allowing himself to get within range. Ethan found himself wishing he hadn't said anything as Black Mask put one of his pistols directly underneath his chin. "What's the matter, cat got your tongue?"

Beads of perspiration started to form on Ethan's forehead, all the while his mouth went barren.

"You young punks crack me up ya know that?" He snarled. "You call me a wannabee supervillain, yet without me, you'd be nothing!"

"But I-."

But he was cut off as one of the pistols was bashed against his face. "Did I tell you to speak?"

The injury easily knocked Ethan to the ground while drawing blood on his lower lips.

"You're nothing but a spoiled nepo baby!" He shouted. "The bastard offspring of Penguin and that slutty waitress he was so fond of. If your old man was here he'd shrug off some meaningless stock drop and see the bigger picture at hand!"

"Bigger picture?" He asked under his breath.

"Enigma!" Black Mask groaned. The Psychologist immediately followed his orders as she handed him her special cane.

"First things first JR, you came to me for my help!" With the cane in hand now, Black Mask's first order of business was to strike Ethan across his face before slamming the weapon against his head. "Penguin left you all that money and you didn't know what to do with it. You came to me for business advice, without me, there'd be no Vicform!"

With the cane still in hand, the drug lord bashed it against Ethan's rib cage several times.

"Boss- ." Ethan shakingly cried out as he felt the intense weight of the object against his body.

"Second thing I'm not a wannabee supervillain, I'm the Supervillain of tomorrow!" He grunted. This time he switched weapons using his gun to shoot Ethan in one of his kneecaps. The other subordinates in the room could only thank the heavens they did not anger their boss as Ethan's screams became louder.

As the assault took a brutal turn Ethan found himself curling up in a fetal position to show signs of surrender. "A-alright I g-g-give."

"Third thing nobody leaves False Face!" This time Black Mask would not him but instead circle him like a vulture as he admired his work. "It was always so frustrating watching Lex & Grodd mess up the Secret Society, too busy backstabbing one another to get the job done. I was always watching, learning, waiting for the moment to seize power!"

"P-p-please I'm s-s-sorry!"

"You're not sorry until you've learned the most important lesson of all!" Without warning Black Mask snatched Ethan up by the scruff off his shirt and brought him to his knees. Still reeling from his earlier injuries, he was unable to fight back as his boss shoved him against one of the large-sized windows. "This is a new world we're in, the heroes are gone, and we are the majority! The False Face Society will bring us all the riches we deserve, and because of that, I will not tolerate desertion or betrayal. You either are with us or against us, is that understood?"

"Y-y-yes sir." Ethan sheepishly responded as his body was still quaking in fear.

"Good boy, you're forgiven!" Without warning Black Mask heavily shoved Ethan backwards against the window. The glass structure broke with ease as his body weight was pressed against it. Unable to react in time, Ethan screamed out as his body went towering out the window and down into the darkness below.

There was hostile silence wavering throughout the room as Black Mask turned to face them.

After handing Enigma her staff back, the CEO turned his attention toward the rest of his crew. "Liam go see about Ethan, if he's dead have the men bury him. If he survived take him to the infirmary and buy him a get well card."

"But of course sir!" Liam wasted no time in following his boss's orders and left the room.

The moment he was gone Black Mask turned his attention toward his two girls. "As for you two, I don't want to hear any more bickering get back to Arkham and finish the job, well be in touch!"

There were some grumbles and hushed words among the girls but even they weren't going to risk invoking Black Mask's wrath. Much like Liam they soon left in a hurry leaving Enigma alone with him.

"Was that necessary, you got blood all over my cane?" Enigma inquired as she retrieved her walking instrument.

"Send me the cleaning bill?" He said as he returned to his desk. "Also I just realized we have another problem?"

"What's up?"

"With both of us working the field, and the others covering Arkham were a little short-handed." He explained. "I'm gonna need an enforcer to cover that policeman's ball, an enforcer that will catch those pigs completely off guard!"

"Oh I wouldn't worry about that, I've got one all ready to be tested out!"

"Which one?"

Enigma grinned brightly as she prepared to answer him. "Riddle me this, I am the voice behind the voice, I speak without a mouth and hear without ears!"

"Oooh, I like it!"

"I thought you might!" Enigma chirped. "Speaking of which how did dinner with the commissioner go?"

"Better than expected, those green roses Mary made for me worked like a charm!" He replied before checking his watch. "By this time right now, MS Gordon should be experiencing a lovely trip down memory lane!"

---

-Flashback-

-Gotham City-

-6 Years Ago-

Commissioner Gordon has been kidnapped.

These five little words would be the beginning of Barbara's troubles.

As per usual Gotham Night, mayhem & destruction had made itself cozy preventing peace from settling in. An unholy alliance of Joker, Riddler, and Killer Croc had formed, surprising all that stood against them. To make their plan even more deadly, they kidnapped the one person that nobody would have suspected, Commissioner James Gordon.

Killer Croc & Riddler were on the ground, using a sheer combination of brute strength and genius to not only harm citizens but rob all luxury stores in the surrounding area. Their presence not only kept the cops at bay but kept all eyes away from where the true brains were.

But where was the Clown Prince of Crime?

The answer would be high up over the skylights of Gotham. A massive blimp, painted in the same vibrant hues as Joker's flamboyant attire was gliding erratically throughout the buildings.

"Wooo hooo, we got um this time boys!" The Joker was on cloud nine. His wild green hair was billowing in the wind, while his sinister grin was wider than normal. In the cockpit he couldn't help but spin the controls wildly, nearly steering the Blimp into the Gothcorp building.

"You won't get away with clown!" Commissioner Gordon snapped back. While he was controlling the vessel, Gordon was in the background strapped to a single chair with a black overcoat draped over his body. Not only was he tied down but he was also being heavily guarded by two of Joker's goons.

"Oh don't be such a wet blanket Commissioner!" He howled back. "I'm just bringing some laughter back to the pathetic souls of Gotham!"

"Uhh Boss?" One of the goons pointed toward the window.

Joker's grin instantly turned to rageful anger as the dark shadow of the Batwing now flew beside them.

Before he could even bark orders to his crew, two silhouettes exited the aircraft. Using their capes Batman & Batgirl glided toward the window. Using their fists the duo easily smashed through the window sending glass shards all over the Blimp.

"Just what I need, bat's in my ble-." Joker's statement was cut off as the Dark Knight backhanded him, causing his skinny frame to crash to the floor. Once away he turned his attention toward the goons.

Before they could bum-rush him Batman was on top of them. He slammed his fist against the first goon's stomach making him double over in pain, before beginning to fight the next one with a more fancier style of martial arts.

While Batman was busy with the henchmen, Batgirl turned her sights on saving the captive. With Batarang in hand, the heroine intended to cut the Commissioner free of his binds. "Don't worry Commissioner we'll get you out of here!"

"Batgirl no!" He cried

His command made Batgirl stop in her tracks as she fixed him a look of surprise. "What's wrong?"

"The Coat!" He heavily sighed, nodding toward the garment that was over him.

A cloud of confusion rained over Batgirl's mindset as she turned her attention toward the overcoat that covered her father. Slowly snatching it away from him she gasped with horror as she saw what was hiding underneath.

Strapped to Commissioner Gordon was a suicide vest. The vest had a miniature keyboard/ screen on its front. Perturiding from the vest were dozens of wires, leading to several packs of C4 embedded within the pockets of the vest. To add insult to injury, there were several unknown wires in the back of the vest seemingly not attached to the C4. Following the wires to an open grant in the floor nearby, Batgirl's heart fell as she made a new and shocking discovery. The floor of the Blimb was covered with toxic waste barrels, each one displaying the Ace Chemicals logo.

"Batman!" She cried out. After knocking out both of the strongmen, Batman's face also matched hers as he saw what she discovered.

"I knew you'd get a surprise out of this one batsy!" Joker chuckled. His laugh would be short-lived as the Dark Knight would grab him. Bringing him eye level, the vigilante would give the prankster his signature glare.

"What's in the barrel's Joker?"

"Nothing much just ten tons of acid, enough to give all of Gotham the facelift they desperately need!"

"Can you disarm it?" Batman wondered toward his partner.

Before Batgirl could answer the screen on the vest lit up, displaying a sentence.

I Fly Without Wings…..

I Cry Without Eyes….

What am I?

"Riddler!" Batman growled.

"Turns out Eddy's not such a wet blanket after all!" Joker said. "He whipped up that little gizmo for me and made sure I would get a genuine chuckle out of it!"

"Damnit!" Gordon cursed. As if the riddle were not enough, a countdown timer of five minutes was displayed on the screen.

"Turn it off Joker!"

"Can't do it Batsy, solving Eddie's three riddles might be your best bet!"

"No worries I've got this!" Turning her attention toward the keyboard, she typed in the correct response of clouds.

As she cleared the first of the riddles the Joker found himself erupting in maniacal laughter once more. The crimefighters immediately notice what he found so humorous. The moment she answered correctly the screen gave a green checkmark while also shortening the timer to three minutes and twenty-five seconds.

Gordon's heart skipped a multitude of beats as the realization suddenly sunk in. "It's a trigger!"

"What about the wires?" Batman asked

"There's all intertwined on the same system, I don't have time to trace all of them and if I get one wrong it'll still detonate!"

As the next riddle was displayed on the screen, the countdown timer had reached two minutes and fifty-nine seconds. This was the crucial moment when both Gordon & Batman exchanged looks. Similar to a psychic connection both crusaders of Justice cycled through the possible scenarios given to them. With the timer counting down, the bombs would go off soon. Not enough time to evacuate the city and not enough time to go through the wires.

With Riddler's contraception being a false hope, there was only one option that remained to keep Gotham citizens from being scarred by his sick hands.

"Tick-tock times almost up!" Joker taunted.

"For you that is!" With a single punch, Batman knocked the Joker out cold.

From there the Dark Knight grabbed Joker and his henchmen. Hurdling them out the window, the trio landed safely in a net that was being suspended below the Batwing. Once they were out of the way, Batman turned his attention toward the wheel, steering it in a different direction.

"What are we going to do?" While Batman was in action, a shadow of depression had covered Batgirl in its shadow. Ignoring the riddle on screen, the heroine's mind was in hyperdrive looking for some way to free the prisoner before the blimp exploded. There had to be something here. Something that she was missing, that could save everyone?

"Get out of here Batgirl, save yourself!" Urged Gordon

"No way!" She shot back. "I'm freeing you, I'll figure something out!"

"I've changed the blimps course, we're heading toward the Gotham bay now!"

"Good, now we just have to get him outta here!" But Batgirl's pleas were met with silence. While Gordon's look was one of dejection, Batman turned his head away unable to meet the gaze of his protege.

After reading the looks between both men for a few seconds, a grim realization suddenly hit Batgirl as the truth came to her. "No we're not doing that!"

"Batgirl I-."

"No, I won't!" Her voice rose in intensity as the fury bellowed from her lungs. "I'm not leaving my dad to die!"

"Barbara?" A shocked Gordon whispered lowly as she revealed herself.

"Don't worry Dad I'll get you outta here!"

Dropping her emotional wall Barbara was no longer a brave crimefighter, she was a scared girl in a costume just wanting to save her dad. Even as the timer now reached thirty seconds, she kept traversing the wires all around her father looking for some way to free.

"I love you Barbara, you've made me so proud!" Despite the heavy news placed upon him, it didn't matter anymore. Knowing that the end was near could only prompt him to save the words that were deep on his heart. "Take care of her Batman!"

"Of course Jim!"

"No Dad!" Batgirl wailed as Batman suddenly snatched her by the wrist. Acting quickly the caped crusader launched his grappling hook to latch onto the Batwing. While still holding her tight, Batman was forced to take Batgirl with him out of the Blimp. As the two landed perfectly in the cockpit of the vessel, Batgirl gave one last cry as she saw the Blimp fully fly over the bay.

-End of Flashback-

-GCPD-

-Commissioners Office-

It was the last moment that Barbara hated remembering the most. The Blimp exploding over Gotham Bay, leaving a smoke trail of chemicals, and her father's remains scattered all over the sea. This was a memory she had submerged deep into her subconscious. A memory that no matter how much she tried she couldn't let go. While she hated that memory to her core, it was also one she cherished because it was the last she saw of her father alive.

But why now, why had all these memories suddenly came back to her?

Questions were suddenly halted as Barbara found herself in the present. She last remembered having dinner with Roman Sionis and skipping out because of a headache. Returning to the GCPD she gorged herself in the aged Tawny before drifting off to sleep.

Now that the memories had consumed her, she felt weak uneasy, and unable to focus on anything but that. Even though that was all in the past, she wished she could see it again, anything to be close to her father.

"Commissioner Gordon, do you read me?" A familiar voice suddenly blared through the earbud Barbara had in her dress.

As it snapped her back into reality, she placed it into her ear to asses the emergency. "Gordon here what's up?"

"We've almost gotten this Snakebite factory shut down, how should we proceed?"

"Hold the crooks responsible!" She explained. " I want a look at that warehouse before I call in more officers."

"Understood we'll see you when you get here!"

"Ugh!" Barbara scoffed as she tossed the earbud on the desk.

Her question about the memories would have to wait, for now, it was time for action. Despite what she had to do, even she couldn't knock the feeling of cravings that was now starting to take over her entire body. What was the craving for though? Even she couldn't figure out what her body wanted at the moment.

---

-New Metropolis-

-Highfathers Tower-

-Conference Room-

The Battle against Paragon Vipress was over for now. Despite leaving a trail of dead bodies and damage in her wake, the huntress had left something far more devastating on the team.

That was mistrust.

Thanks to her, the league and Ryan were forced to tell Garfield about everything they'd been hiding from him. Needless to say, the car ride back to Highfather Tower was anything but pleasant.

It was even more unpleasant now that they were all coupled into one room. While some of the league were doing damage control at Vinyl, others were tending to the injured Raven. Sadly unlike most patients, Raven was isolated to a special room, one that could contain her magic and meta abilities should she turn into Black Siren again.

This left the others in the room by themselves. Garfield sat perched on the edge of the conference table, his posture rigid and his jaw clenched tight. He stared off at the window, his expression grim while the wheels were turning in his head.

Ryan & Rita were sitting on the other end of the table, indulging in two cups of Raven's favorite tea. Their loud sips could be heard throughout the room, filling in where the conversation usually is.

Ryan Choi & Lunar were the only two that were interacting. Off in the corner of the room, Lunar was sniffing through a pile of assorted metal objects while Ryan Choi watched closely with a clipboard in his hand.

"Alright, Lunar let's try this next one, item number one seventy-seven Saint Walkers Ring!" With much enthusiasm, Ryan Choi presented him with a small ring colored cobalt while also having the symbol of the Blue Lantern Corps printed on its surface.

Lunar's piercing purple eyes were wide with caution and intrigue as he studied the alien tech. With a single paw, he reached out gently grazing it in the process. The ring was ice cold to the touch causing him to arch his back threatenly. Much like many kittens before him, Lunar was very judgmental toward new foods brought before him. After much scrutiny, he got up close and personal allowing his nose to sniff the item in question which sadly had no scent.

Despite the ring not having much appeal, Lunar pounced on it wanting to help Ryan Choi's research. In one swoop, he gobbled up the ring with ease.

Hoping for some clear answers, Ryan Choi studied Lunar closely hoping for the experiment to be a success. Much to his disappointment though, Lunar abruptly spit the ring back out while also coughing up various half-eaten bolts and screws.

"Awww geez, another bust." Ryan Choi sweatdropped. Dejected he returned to the clipboard, checking off the item on the list with a red checkmark.

"Yuck, it tastes like rotten paint!" Lunar cried

"Uhh, what the heck are you guys doin' over there?" Garfield asked as the antics finally broke through his silent wall.

"We're doing some experiments with the Justice League trophies, I'd figure I'd feed some to Lunar and see if he spits any new cogs out!" Ryan Choi explained. "So far though everything we've tried seems to be a bust."

"Not to mention they taste awful!" Lunar confessed

"It's alright guys just keep trying, for now, hopefully, something comes up!" Garfield replied with a soft smile. "I guess we're gonna need it seeing as how Vipress can freaking make clones!"

"She must have been experimented on by Dessad, he's always been wicked behind the knife!"

"Maybe we could have prepared for the clones if we knew about them!" Garfield's voice ran cold as he turned his attention toward his mother. "Among other things?"

"Garfield I-." But Rita could not find the words needed to address him. She knew that sooner or later her deception would catch up to her she just never thought it would be this soon.

"Why didn't you tell me about Vipress attacking you?"

But Rita remained silent, this time she just turned her body to avert his penetrative gaze.

"Or better yet why didn't you tell me about Cliff or Larry?"

"I-."

Garfield's frustration reached a pivotal point as he suddenly slammed a single fist on the table."Damnit Mom answer me!"

All eyes gave Garfield the attention he wanted as his anger reached its focal point. This time he wouldn't take silence for an answer, this time he walked in front of Rita to face her directly.

"Larry & Cliff are missing, and you've been a punching bag for him, why didn't you tell me that?" As he inched closer and closer to his mother, Garfield's vision suddenly became fixed on her once-youthful face. He had been so focused on everything around him that he barely noticed the black eye and bruises plastered all over her face. "My God, what did Mento do to you?"

"It's not as bad as it looks; It's my fault anyway I should've made him mad!" As the excuse was explained Garfield backed away from Rita as a look of disgust danced on his face. "Garfield I-."

"Just get out, I can't even look at you right now!"

The command from her son instantly shattered Rita's heart into two clean pieces. An overwhelming stream of tears was to follow as they ran down her bruised face. Unable to process everything at once, she soon darted for the exit.

"Ms Rita wait!" Lunar attempted to call out to her but she was too fast for him and was now running down the halls to a different part of the tower.

Having been quiet this entire time, Ryan slammed her teacup against the table as she rose to face her best friend. "Don't you think you were a little too harsh on her?"

"Raven's injured, we've got Nitrodemons after us, Larry & Cliff are missing, and we've got a psycho paragon on the loose who can create clones!" Garfield began. "So no I don't think I'm being harsh in the fact that I don't want to look at a domestic abuse victim right now!"

"She's still your mother!" Ryan bellowed.

"That's right she's my mother, not yours so butt out ok!" He snapped back.

"Watch it grass stain!" Garfield's rage was instantly met with Ryan's attitude. Before long the duo were glaring at each other, letting the moment get in the way of their friendship. "You need to reel in the anger!"

"Guys chill out!" Ryan Choi suddenly stepped between the two to diffuse the tension but was quickly cut off as the duo harshly pushed him off to the side.

"What do you care, you're just as guilty as them!" He chided. "Why didn't you tell me about Black Siren?"

"Because I just couldn't tell you!" She confessed. While this was not a legitimate answer, she didn't want to bring Raven into the conversation. That was her secret to tell, no matter how bad the moment would get.

"I'm the leader here though, I had a right to know!" He shouted.

"Leader?" Ryan wondered

"Yes, leader!" He shouted. "I wear the armor, I'm the one that takes the bullets, stabs, and bad puns from the bad guys!"

"Just because you're the leader doesn't mean I check my judgment at the door!" At this point, Ryan's voice was equally matching Garfield's in terms of loudness and anger. "And news flash this is a team effort, without me you wouldn't be half where you are today!"

"Maybe not but after today I'd be willing to try!"

"If that's the way want it fine!" Without warning, Ryan began gathering her belongings while heading toward one of the conference room exits. Faster than lightning the Afro-woman had slipped through the door slamming it on the hinges as she left.

"Fine!" Much like Ryan, Garfield went in the other direction seemingly copying what she just did. It wasn't long before Ryan Choi & Lunar were the only two left in the room.

"What am I going to do with those two?" Ryan Choi uttered. It wasn't long before he picked out a new artifact from the pile, MR Terrific's science orbs to be exact. "Ready to try the next item Lunar?"

But the Piparoid didn't answer Ryan Choi. His ears were curled downward, while his tail was drooping instead of its usual swinging position. Upon closer inspection, the scholar would see his body slightly limp, while a few droplets of water were spilling out onto the ground before him.

"Lunar." He called out while gently touching his small head.

In turn, the tiger cub went to face him. Ryan's face fell as he was greeted by Lunar's eyes which were now oversized, red, and leaking with tear droplets. "W-W-hy sniff did they do it?"

"Why what Lunar?"

"Why did Garfield & Ryan fight?" He softly wept as the tears continued to flow. "Friends aren't supposed to fight like that, friends are supposed to love each other."

"Hey, buddy it's ok don't cry!" Having yanked on his heartstrings, Ryan Choi scooped the Piparoid up into his arms. Holding him close to his chest the scholar allowed the cub to quietly leave soaked sobs into his shirt. Once captive Ryan Choi also gave him soft pets while rocking him. "Don't worry Lunar, they're best friends they can't stay mad at each other."

Even though Ryan Choi was logically reassuring, he wasn't secure in his statement. With the high emotions that both displayed he wasn't sure how they were going to get over what happened tonight.

With Vipress on the loose, this also presented another problem that nobody could face. Unable to figure out how this would end, Ryan Choi could only cradle the Piparoid in his arms, doing his best to make him feel better again.

---

-Ace O' Clubs-

Saber felt as if his brain were going to explode. But what does one expect when they have a two-ton marble statue almost crush them to death? His eyes were unfocused as he was forced to endure the pounding sensation in the back of his head. Like a hammer striking against solid steel the knocking was repetitive occurring literally every two seconds. Treating the wound as it it were a hangover the Paragon couldn't help but keep a large bottle of ibuprofen next to him, making sure to swallow a handful of pills every few minutes. As another pounded against his cranium, Saber made sure to let out a howl of pain that could esaily escape the confines of the bar.

"Hang on baby, nurse Vipress is right here!" Paragon Vipress had her hands deep into the first aid kit that they kept under the bar. Covering a headwrap with an icepack, the woman urgently found herself wrapping it around Sabers head to stop the gash from bleeding. "There, that outta hold you for a while."

"When I get my hands on Garfield I'll- AHHGHG!" Saber started to say but quickly regretted his actions as he cried out from the pain.

"You'll be doing nothing I'm afraid darling!" Vipress stated right before she placed a kiss on Sabers cheeks. "You need to rest for now, until that wound clears up at least!"

"Awww did Saber get an owie?"

Vipress groaned with displeasure as she heard Sparrows voice address them. Sure enough, he, Thrust and Taurus had entered the bar without them noticing.

"What the hell happened to him?" Taurus questioned.

"Saber hurt?" Wondered Thrust

"We were hunting Moon Fang, he got the jump on us though before we could capture him and Raven!" She explained

"Ameturs!" Scoffed Sparrow with a roll of his eyes. "If I knew your grand plan was going to fail already, I would have made you stay here and clean up the bar!"

As always Sparrow couldn't help but put someone else's plan down. Such insolence only tempted Vipress buck up too him so she could stare him straight in the eye. "My plan didn't fail, this is just a setback!"

"Are you sure?" Sparrow asked ."You're dick dealer there is already hurt, so why don't you just concede defeat now and let a real pro take over!"

"Real pro, don't make me laugh!" Vipress snarled. "Under you we already lost the Boom Tube Controller and Black Siren, as far as I'm concerned I'm doing you a favor by cleaning up the mess!"

"Speaking of messes." Paragon Taurus suddenly interjected himself in the conversation to break the tension. "How is that science project i made for you Vipress, I didn't backfire on you did it?"

"I tested one and it worked out just fine, thanks Taurus!"

"What Science Project are you talking about?" Sparrow inquired.

"Unlike you Taurus is a team player, he was nice enough to help me with a little science experiment!" She said. "In exchange, he's gonna share the credit when I capture Moon Fang & Black Siren!"

"You didn't answer my question Vipress!"

"That's because it's none of your business!" She hissed. To further show her mood, Vipress couldn't help but knee Sparrow in his groin. The sudden attack caused the Paragon to cry out in agony as he began to hold the sensitive area. "And for the last time Sparrow, don't you dare get in my way."

"You Bitch!"

"Come on that's enough now, leave her be before she really gets mad!" Taurus and Thrust found themselves interrupting the scene before it got worse. The two paragons soon carried Sparrow away from the scene leaving Vipress & Saber to themselves.

"Be careful about crossing Sparrow, you know how petty he can be!" Warned Saber.

"Don't worry darling he won't get in our way." She cooed. "Now you stay here, I'll be back shortly!"

"Where are you going?"

"To deliver a message."

Like many times before Saber was left to wonder what she meant by that. Whatever the case, while she was gone he would rest from his injuries. Closing his eyes slightly, Saber focused on the solitude he was in, hoping that the pain from his injuries would subside soon.

---

-Apokolips-

-Dessad's Lab-

"Worthless creatures." Dessad's voice was dripping with disappointment as he looked through the visual images on his screen. One minute his creations were roaming free creating havoc, then the next they had been frozen reduced to live ice sculptures. No doubt the League interfered with his plans to capture Moon Fang.

All that planning, research, and genetic splicing. Years crafting the perfect Parademons through the usage of the Speedforce. All of that hard work just so they could be defeated by a simplistic Ice beam.

Darksides patience was very thin with him as of late. If he had to admit another screwup, it would be oblivion for him this time.

"Let's crank up the juice then shall we!" Freeing his Nitrodemons would be his only way to ensure that his plan didn't destroy him. To obtain this goal, he found himself going to a nearby machine hooked up to even more gadgetry which led up into the room up above. A level switch was present at the controls which Dessad couldn't help but crank up to level 10.

A single scream bathed in agony could be heard from the room up above. Going back to the screen, Dessad watched over the stats of his creations as more Speed Force energy was transferred to them. Much like a car battery, the Nitrodemons were being juiced up for every second that passed. It might've taken a little time but even Dessad knew it would be worth it, he would not fail Darkseid again, he would prove his worth or die trying.

---

-New Metropolis Bridge-

Rage has a funny way of blinding people from their actions.

One minute you're angry, and next, you're onto another activity unsure of how you made it to that point in the first place.

Ryan couldn't remember the last time she and Garfield had argued. Because they cared for each other as siblings, arguments were always a point that they never thought they would reach. Thanks to that unfortunate event, however, the two had argued resulting in a surprising split from one another. Ryan had only meant to leave Highfather's tower for a few minutes, but even she couldn't deny that she was on automatic.

The next thing she knew she was driving Bruce's classic Lamborghini all over the city. Her travels however would put her at the last place she would expect, the New Metropolis bridge.

Overlooking the vast ocean, the bridge was an intersecting point between New Metropolis and Gotham. From where she was, driving a good twenty minutes would either bring her back home or take her into the dark territories of its sister city.

"What a day!" Sighed Ryan as she slumped down into the driver's seat of the car. First her night on the town was ruined, then she fought with Garfield and now she stupidly sat on the bridge in the middle of the night, the perfect spot to be mugged.

Everything was just coming at them way too much. Perhaps some time away from each other was just what the group needed. Even with Garfield's harsh words still heavily itched into her thoughts, she wasn't going to abandon him not with Vipress stalking him.

How long would it take him to cool down though? This was a question she could not answer as the conversation played out in her head repeatedly.

A few minutes would go by before Ryan restarted the car, she would intend to drive back to the manor and have the house to herself. She would never get the chance to follow up on her decision as an explosion erupted far off, miles away from her.

Coming from Gotham, Ryan was greeted by a flurry of what looked to be lights coming from somewhere near the shore.

Call it a nagging conscience or Bat-related paranoia, Ryan felt something off about the situation Unable to shake the feeling, she floored the gas pedal making the car zip down the highway toward Gotham.

---

-Gotham-

-Robinson Park-

"What the hell was that?" A startled Jo nearly tumbled outta her seat as the explosion also reached her and Imani's ears. From the erupting sound, the two women could see a hailstorm of lights that were twinkling outside an unknown factory. While not directly next to the building from the park, it was easily a mile or two from them stretching into the Diamond District.

"Fireworks maybe?" Imani suggested.

"Sounded more like a bomb!" Stated Jo. Throwing her ice cream to the ground, Jo reached deep into her jacket pulling out her badge and her gun.

Imani's face cracked as she saw Jo easily switch into police mode. "You brought your gear with you?"

"A good cop is never off duty!" Winked Jo. "Come on lets go!"

"Go where?"

"There might be people hurt, we need to check out that explosion!"

"But what about our date?" Imani cried.

"We can finish it later, come on!"

Before Imani could further protest Jo was already running on a different path, one that would lead her to the building. Although upset by the interference, Imani found herself giving chase not wanting to let her get hurt by whatever was up ahead.

---

-Unknown Area-

Raven's eyelids fluttered open, a gentle crack in the fortress of her unconsciousness. The stinging lights of fluorescent hummed overhead while illuminating the entire room around her. As her surroundings came into focus she easily noticed some tables, medicine cabinets, medical IVs, and the bed she was sitting in. It now came to her that she was in a Hospital or in this case probably the medical wing at Highfathers Tower.

She hadn't remembered how she arrived. The last thing her subconscious could fathom was the fight against Vipress at Vinyl. While Garfield and the others had escaped unscathed, she would not be so lucky.

As the fog around her brain started to lift more, a chilling detail suddenly snagged her full attention. An unbearable heaviness had been concentrated around her, neck, wrists, ankles, and torso. Peering downward Raven's heart skipped several beats as she now noticed her entire body was being secured by cast iron chains.

"What's going on?" Her senses started rushing as she now realized she wasn't a patient but rather a prisoner. In this situation, she opted for the most obvious means of escape. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"

While her magical mantra would be chanted, none of her powers would come to her. Trying several more times with focus the sorceress found herself still trapped as she was seemingly cut off from her natural born abilities.

Raven's attempts to escape would be cut off as the door to the hospital room soon opened up.

"Does the patient need anything?" Black Siren's sinister laugh leaked throughout the room, making Raven tense more. Her doppelganger would soon enter the room. Raven's face would contort in disgust as Black Siren was dressed in an eye patch, as well as a scantly clad nurse uniform that barely covered her chest or lower areas.

"That look is so not me!" She scolded

"You'll have to get used to my fashion choices once I'm back in the driver's seat!" Black Siren replied. "Now are you ready for your shots, DR Trigon is waiting for you?"

Raven's heart dropped as the name was mentioned. "DR Trigon?"

"Isn't that the beautiful thing about the mind?" She questioned. "He might be dead, but his memories still lie deep within your subconscious!"

"You wouldn't!"

"OH DR." Black Siren called out. "The patient is ready for you!"

The door to the hospital room suddenly busted open, filling the entire room with hellish flames. Raven's heart began to beat faster, as the essence of fear started to enter her body. From her bedside, she could see a glowing red pair of eyes form. The eyes also carried her father's unholy laughter and his disgusting scent of brimstone.

"Let's see if we can't erode that willpower shall we!" Black Siren exclaimed. Despite the flames around her, she leaned against the wall eagerly waiting to watch Raven suffer.

As the eyes started to creep closer to her, Raven started shaking furiously against the chains anything to escape. Even if he was just a memory, the fear had still overtaken her soul. Unable to fight back the sorceress let out a blood-curdling scream.

-End of Dream Sequence-

While she was screaming in the dream, her body was thrashing around in the present. From behind a window, Garfield watched helplessly as New Genisis nursing staff tried to restrain Raven from hurting herself. While they did outnumber her, even they were having trouble holding back the failing she was doing from the terror.

"Rae -." Garfield held back his tears unable to see his girlfriend in such excruciating pain.

---

-Gotham-

-Diamond District-

-Warehouse-

"Oh my God!" These were the only appropriate words Ryan could muster through her gaping jaw as she struggled to pick it off the ground. At first, she was hot on the trail of that explosion, zooming through the grounds of Gotham City. When she reached her destination an isolated warehouse, the Afro-woman could not even begin to process what she was looking at.

Awaiting her was a sea of unconscious and brutalized men who were littered as far as the eye could see. They were everywhere from outside the building, toward the entrance, and even inside nearby a few semi-trucks. Most of the men had cartoonish animal masks across their faces. Slashes, gunshot holes, punches, stab wounds, and scorching burn marks were generously divided among the groups. Whoever battled these men fought long and hard to make sure they wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.

If Ryan didn't know any better, she could have sworn this was Batman's handiwork. She hadn't known anyone on earth to beat criminals this senseless and let them live.

But even thinking about the Dark Knight made her realize that was a foolish assumption. But if not him then who?

Upon further investigation of the scene, the woman couldn't help but notice a single box of Snakebite in the hands of a knocked-out foe. Kneeling in the dirt Ryan couldn't help but snatch the package away from him as she began to admire it.

Her attention on the box was interrupted by the click of a gun just behind her. "Alright hands up!"

"Damnit," Ryan muttered under her breath. Against her will, she slowly started to put her hands up over her head "This isn't what it looks like I swear!"

"It looks to me like you're tampering with a crime scene!" Imani accused as she inched closer to her, all the while she couldn't help but notice the guys knocked out on the ground. "Jesus, what did you do to these guys?"

"Wasn't me!" She confessed.

"So if you didn't do this who are you then?" Imani questioned as she inched closer, soon enough she was just inches away from her back. "A member of False Face or some junkie that came here for you're Snakebite fix?"

"Look this is all a misunderstanding if you'll just let me explain!"

"Can it sister I'm taking you in!"

"Always have to do it the hard way!" Without warning Ryan turned with unnatural speed. Her foot went high, colliding against the gun while knocking it out of Imani's hands. Before the officer could even react, she was tackled to the ground.

"Imani are you there!" Jo would appear out of the shadows a few seconds later. Upon seeing the stranger get up off of Imani she raised her gun ready to fire. "GCPD, put your hands up!"

In any normal situation, Ryan would have fought her way out of trouble instead of just surrendering. Hearing the command, however, she was suddenly frozen in place. It wasn't the threat of gunfire that made her freeze but rather the tone of voice that addressed her, she knew that voice. "Jo?"

Jo's pupils dilated with shock as remembrance also started to wash over her. Lowering her weapon, the girl inched closer to get a look. The minute she laid eyes on her, Jo thought her heart was going to burst with happiness. "R-Ryan?"

"Ryan?" Imani gasped looking at the stranger before her.

"Jo!"

The heat of battle was lost between the two women as they ran to each other. Jo lifted Ryan by the waist swinging her around while laughing playfully. Once set down the girls began to overtalk one another while sharing a single hug. They held one another tightly as leather, allowing their warm bodies to exchange a spiritual entanglement.

"What are you doing here, I thought you were in New Metropolis?" Jo questioned

"I was but I was on the bridge and saw the explosion!" Ryan admitted. "You know me I could never resist being nosy!"

"Don't I know it!"

"Hey!"

"Um excuse me!" Imani suddenly shouted effectively cutting through the chatty conversation. Both girls soon snapped out of it remembering Imani, who was still on the ground.

"Oh sorry about that." Ryan said. Going back to the girl, she couldn't help but outstretch her hand to help her up. "The name's Ryan Wilder!"

"I know who you are!" She grumbled before rejecting Ryan's hand and getting up herself.

"Ryan this is my partner Imani Jordon!"

"You're only partner!" Imani corrected. Her attitude couldn't be more icy as she glared at Ryan. If she could she would probably turn her entire back around just to give her the cold shoulder.

The conversation between the girls would soon be interrupted once again as two men were suddenly ejected from the warehouse roof. The first man landed in a nearby tree while the other collided heavily with the top of one of the cargo trucks.

This violent action suddenly reminded the trio of why they were there in the first place. As Jo & Imani redrew their guns, Ryan stood behind them taking a fighting stance. Whatever was in that warehouse was still active and could potentially put them in danger.

"Woo-hoo that was a fine one yessir!" The man with the heavy Southern accent could be heard from the inside.

"I swear these False Face guys are like roaches!" The man with a deep and gruff voice called out. "I think I got a cramp in my hand from how much punching I did!"

"We've been in this warehouse too long, let's get some air!"

"Sounds good the Commissioner should be arriving here soon!"

Leaving the covers of darkness the group emerged outside the warehouse just as the moon was at its brightest. Like a cosmic blessing of sorts, their identities were revealed as they sparkled from the illumination.

The first warrior of the five was a woman. She was short, slender, and had medium-length hair that reached her shoulders. Proudly dressed in garbs that resembled her nation of Japan, this woman was best known for her code of honor and the sword she carried containing her dead husband's soul. This woman was Tatsu Yamashiro better known as the Samurai Katana.

The second person was a bold reminder of old-school Justice. He was skeleton-thin, dressed in a red and blue outfit with a white brim hat. This man was an expert marksman, as apparent by the two pistols he carried in his gun holsters. This man was Greg Saunders AKA the cowboy Vigilante.

The third warrior was no stranger to violence. He was older than the rest, dressed in a trenchcoat, solid mask, and combat boots. Much like Batman he lurked in the darkness, beating criminals to bloody pulps while also being a symbol of pride. This man was Lucas Trent AKA the brutal brawler Midnighter.

The fourth was someone whose powers rivaled that of the Man of Steel. His body was carved with mighty muscles that easily displayed themselves through his white and gold suit. This man was primarily known for his position in the Authority, his relationship with Midnighter, and his powers over the sun itself. This man was Andrew Pulaski, better known as the Sun God Apollo.

The last member of the five was the most surprising. He was covered in steel armor from head to toe. While the others had a heroic resume, his was anything but. This man's entire life consisted of killing, plundering the seven seas, and looking for a way to eliminate Aquaman. This man was the David Hyde AKA the Atlantean Serial Killer Black Manta.

"Awww dang it, we've been spotted!" An alarmed Vigilante kicked the dirt in frustration as he came face to face with the shocked women.

"Waddya expect, Apollo's explosion probably woke up half of Gotham!" Black Manta bellowed

"They're superheroes?" Was all Jo could muster to say. Her eyes held a twinkle of hope as she observed the heroes one by one. While she was observing, Ryan and Imani's face went blank, unable to process what they were witnessing.

"They're not just any heroes, they're the Outsiders!" Barbara Gordon stated as she suddenly walked up from a different direction. Everyone in attendance was so consumed with the moment they failed to notice the commissioner pull up in her squad car. Now the center of attention, Barbara seized up her workers before turning her attention to Jo, Imani & Ryan. "Well, ladies it looks like you just stumbled upon our little secret, how lucky for you!"

---

End of Chapter 23

It's sad but with that scene ends Chapter 23. Don't worry however we've barely scratched the surface of things to come.

Did you guys like the Outsiders? I must admit it took me a while to choose certain characters as I remembered the ones I wanted were already tied up in other parts of the story or didn't exist in this universe altogether. Next Chapters you'll get to know them more and theyre role in the story.

Once again Bia has been gracious enough to make us a picture for this chapter. As always she appreciates comments on her work and can be reached on Reddit.

Chapter 24 will be appropriately titled "The Outsiders Part 1". I just started writing it a while ago and, I'm going to give myself a few days off before I jump back into it.

I know it's still early but how is Season 3 looking?

I notice I haven't been getting comments/reviews from people (plenty of follows though which im also grateful for). While this doesnt effect my posting schedule, I do appreciate feedback in any forms. I especially love comments that pertain to certain storylines and/or characters. Anything that you guys want to add I'm all ears!

Can't wait to see you guys next time!

Remember to Review/ Follow/ Share and more importantly review!

I love you all and hope you guys have a terrific rest of the week!

Arigato!

Z