|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 10:50:54 GMT -8
Ra's al Ghul Posted: Jan 14, 2007 10:43 AM
-The call came through, and it was time to make his move. Gotham City was in chaos thanks to the infamous Kuttler. It would seem the deviant destructor wanted to get everyone involved in this single night of decay and distraught as possible. He even contacted him...-
-The silhouetted figure stood erect watching the chaos unfold across the once grand city. Mayor Cobblepot promised to bring the city back up. But all Ra's could see were things falling. Shrill crys of terror. The voters were going to be disappointed. But this was of no consequence to Ra's al Ghul. His only consent was upon what had been promised to him. The Dark Knight's fall, and something else, a hidden Lazarus Pit. Somewhere in the bowels of this very city. This was an offer he could not refuse.-
-The Dark Detective, his former student, was the soul being standing in between him and the destruction of Gotham. And Gotham's destruction would play an intricate part in restoring the Earth to the beautiful Eden it once was. He wanted more than anything for Bruce to side with him. For Bruce to take the hand of his daughter and take his place when Ra's al Ghul would be no more. But Wayne promptly refused.-
-Irony. That was the only word to describe it. Bruce became what he was today because of the loss of his parents. And when he had the opportunity to belong to become part of a new family in a new world...he refused. And Ra's lost the only man he felt suitable to become his successor. Vengeance would be his.-
"Go. Take no prisoners."
Ra's had seemingly been standing alone, but at this command, figures who had been concealed in the shadows behind him appeared, and with a bow, left, to make their way across the city.
His day was at hand.
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 10:52:07 GMT -8
Calculator Posted: Jan 14, 2007 10:53 AM
Humming to himself as he passed over what remained of Gotham, Noah retraced his path to the GCPD headquarters. As one of the few remaining buildings, along with it's design, made it the perfect location. Of course, it also had the last item he needed. While Jake Drake was a prime piece of bait, especially given his status as the last living parent of one Timothy Drake, an additional high profile hostage would help greatly, someone he could kill to show that he meant what he said. One James Gordon, Police Commissioner should do nicely.
Setting down on the roof, he scanned the building for both heat signatures and used his voice recognition system. Within moments he had pinpointed Gordon, only two floors down. The stairs were out, so with another morph of his arm and hand he soon had a sonic cannon. It was a weapon that utilized sound and, while it was really only good for one shot every two minutes, he only needed one to blast through to Gordon's floor. A bit of debris shouldn't hurt him too much. If so, oh well. Hoisting Jack Drake up on his shoulder, he let loose with the weapon. Bits of rubble and concrete went flying as he blew through the building. Flying straight down quickly, it was a loud weapon so surprise was nil. He spotted Gordon right off, lying prone on the floor. A quick scan showed him to be alive but out of it, most likely due to some blow to the head from the roof. Good enough. Grabbing the police officer by the back of his shirt, he carried him back to the roof along with Drake. Setting them both down next to each other, he grabbed some steel cable that had broken free from it's position holding up the batsignal, then secured them both together and too one of the signal's support beams. Leaning in close to Drake, he waited 13 seconds before he spoke.
"Hello Oracle, given what I know of your tech, your little radio device that Mr. Drake has should be rebooted and working. I trust you can figure out who this is by my voice, it's the only part of me that hasn't changed. I'll make this quick, I have Jack Drake and James Gordon, both incapacitated and within my power. I'm afraid Mr. Drake is a widower, the aircraft his wife was on went down, unfortunate accident, no survivors. Now he's all Tim has. And dear James, the good Officer Gordon has served this city through every major crisis since the fall of Carmine Falcone. He is the Cities greatest hero. Unless you want them both very dead, you will show up here, in twenty minutes time. Otherwise they will die. No Superman can save you and wisk them away, I have a nice chunk of that lovely kryptonite that went missing during our last dance. If any of my very advanced sensors detect any of the Batclan, they die. And since the Flash is on ice, you're only choice is to come and show yourself to me. Twenty minutes starting now, otherwise their blood is on your hands."
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 10:53:18 GMT -8
Robin Posted: Jan 14, 2007 12:52 PM
Tim felt like he was almost swimming. He heard someone calling his name but couldn’t respond. Someone was tapping his face. He wanted to open his eyes but they felt so heavy.
“Robin… Tim. Tim wake up. It’s Dick.”
Tim practically jumped up breathing deeply, his bangs falling in front of his face all of a sudden. He couldn’t remember where he was or what had happened. He grabbed his forehead as the pieces slowly started to come back together. New years, Calculator, Deathstroke…
Oh yea… he knocked me out… he groaned as he sat up more looking up at Dick. When did he get here? He reached for his headset and noticed it was missing. He almost started to panic. That wasn’t really good.
He felt Dick grab his shoulder and he turned around suddenly still breathing sharply. “What… what happened? W-Where’s Deathstroke?” he asked looking around. He could feel the headache coming on and he started to fall back down to the ground. His body felt exhausted. Laying back down he looked up at Nightwing not saying anything as his head got hazy.
"Feel like I got hit by a truck..."
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 10:53:37 GMT -8
Two-Face Posted: Jan 14, 2007 1:07 PM
Two-Face smiled at Penguin's new found confidence. He admired the bird for having a little backbone.
He shot the phone, holstered his weapon, and slipped his coin in his pocket. After that he hit Penguin again, rendering him unconscious. Can't have him giving chase or calling for help, after all.
Two-Face stepped into the elevator, hit the button for the roof, and within seconds he was at his destination. Before he got out of the box he removed his gun one more time and shot the buttons to the elevator just to be safe.
The helicopter landed only moments later, and Two-Face informed the pilot of the change in plans. The craft lifted off, and Two-Face was outside city limits within minutes.
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 10:56:37 GMT -8
Oracle Posted: Jan 14, 2007 2:31 PM
Hearing Nightwing words come through her speakers was good enough for her. Knowing that Dick was on the case, she was sure that he'd hold true to his word and get what was needed done. "Make sure you put a re-breather on him when you get to him." she reminded him. "He'll need oxygen.
"Mr. Drake was there with him as well. I think something may be amiss-- his line went dead."
Her ear caught the sound of fabric catching in the wind. The tale-tale sign that someone with a cape was in her presence.
Spinning her chair around she head Superman's voice. She stayed immersed in her halo of green hued monitors. The shiloutte of her form sat encased by shadows of black and green.
Wonder-Girl never knew who the face behind the floating green mark was... until now.
She slowly wheeled out from her barage of monitors and smiled to Cassie. "Hello, sweetie. We'll get you fixed up real quick, okay? Don't worry about a thing." Unable to see Cassie's face the entire time while she was out on the field didn't prepare her for what she saw.
The poor girl was brusied and bloody. Caleb really did a number on her.
Barbara motioned to Superman. "The back bedroom. There's a bed in there you can set her down on." Reaching out she touched his arm gingerly. "Thank you, Kal for bringing her to me. I'll keep watch after her."
It was then when Calculator's voice rang through her tower. "Hello Oracle..."
Barbara held an enraged look in her eye as she grabbed a few towels, needles, and other various pieces of medical aids to get Wonder-Girl back to a state of feeling slightly better.
As Calculator's message continued to ramble on, she pulled a syringe out. "This'll help you for the pain, okay? Try not to move. I promise you won't feel it."
As she pulled the syringe from Cassie's skin and set it on the nearby tray she heard Calculator mention 'Jack Drake' and 'James Gordon.'
Daddy....
Calculator had Tim's father and her own.
Barbara choked, murmuring to herself. "Dana's... gone?"
Jack was the only parent that Timothy had left. She couldn't bear the fact that Tim could be left as an orphan tonight. She couldn't let that happen.
But the price was... so high.
She turned back to Superman for a moment, knowing very well her heard every second of Calculator's message.
She was internally waging a war with herself. If she gave herself up... everyone in the entire League, the Society, the Titans would all be vulnerable. Calculator... would simply win. If he ever found out who she was, it would be the utter fall of everyone who even bothered to call themselves a 'hero.'
But for Tim.... for Jack.. for her father...
It was too great of a price.
She couldn't let Tim become an orphan.
Was there another way around this? There had to be. There HAS to be.
She let her mind assess the situation. What tricks could she pull this time?
He didn't give her a lot of time to weigh the situation.
Barbara stayed silent and handed Cassie a small cup of water, urging her to drink some of it.
She was half speaking to the both of them at that point. "The League would never forgive me if I gave myself up. But if I don't... two more people die. Two men who mean a great deal to a lot of people.
"Two fathers. Two souls." Her hands were shaking at this point and wheeled herself quickly out of the room initiating a secret program she had built into her system, just in case this day ever came.
She had put her knowledge and her personality into it's own program. And in case something ever happened to her, Barbara Gordon, Oracle-- the entity would still continue to live on and serve what needed to be done by a series of written and voiced commands.
You had to love what your typical programming genius could do in today's society.
Touching her ear, she activated her global link and radioed Batman. "He's got Drake and Gordon... and wants to exchange for me. " her voice dropped a few octaves. "I'm.... sorry, Batman. Forgive me. "
He was going to be pissed. "You too, Kal... I can't let him continue to hurt people. Please stay with Cassie....? Just until she stabilizes.
"If you need access to the others... feel free to use my system. Just speak to it, it'll respond. Run the tutorial program if you need to. Access code is 'Vitruvian Man.'"
Grabbing a jacket she had thrown on a near by chair she slipped both of her arms into it and made her way back into the room where Cassie laid. "I'm sorry we couldn't have gotten the chance to visit longer. But you'll be okay. You just need to get some rest. I made sure to let Diana know where you are so she won't worry too much.
"If I make it out of this, we'll talk more, okay?"
Turning to Superman. "Can you take me to the corner of third street?"
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 10:58:13 GMT -8
Superman Posted: Jan 14, 2007 6:04 PM
So much had gone on in such a short period this evening. Villains everywhere were going nuts and beating on heroes left and right. This was not a good night at all. Superman had picked up Wonder Girl and brought her to Oracle’s Clocktower, badly beaten, but still alive.
He’d no more as set her down did he hear a voice seemingly coming from everywhere. It wasn’t a voice he recognized, but apparently Barbara did. Superman may not have known the voice, but he understood its message. It wanted her to reveal herself and surrender, in order to save two men.
That was NOT a good idea. Not a good idea at all. But the former Batgirl seemed to be planning to do just that. Trying to talk her out of it wasn’t going to happen; she was going to do what she needed to do.
“I know you won’t listen to me, but if I didn’t voice my objection to what you’re going to do, I couldn’t forgive myself Barbara. And yes, I’ll stay with her.” He said to Barbara quietly.
Honestly there wasn’t much he could do. The voice had mentioned a chunk of Kryptonite and the plan to use it if he tried to interfere. The one thing that could be the death of him; a piece of his homeworld. Ironic.
Oracle had asked him if he could bring her down to the street. How could he say no?
“I can do that Barbara.”
Telling Cassie he’d be right back he picked up Barbara and flew down to the street where she wanted to go. He set her down and then looked into her eyes.
“If you need anything, I’ll be listening and I’ll be here as fast as I can. Please; be careful.” he told her as he gave her a gentle hug.
He let her go and then turned to go back to the Clocktower to keep an eye on Cassie. It was times like these that he really hated his job.
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 10:59:31 GMT -8
Oracle Posted: Jan 14, 2007 7:32 PM
As Superman set her down she pulled her jacket around her tighter and then realized the best thing she could probably do would be to zip it up. Kal's voice of reason chimed through her head. "If I live through this, just promise you'll speak for me if this notion is ever brought up in the next League meeting?"
Returning his hug, she let it linger just a few seconds longer than what she probably should have. A part of her was nervous and yet a part of her was anxious. What if Calculator went back on his word just like the last time?
"Thank you..." she whispered. "I appreciate it, Kal. And I'll be as careful as I can." She watched as he lifted himself into the air and seemed to disappear from her sights she turned her chair around and made her way down to the rendezvous point that Calculator mentioned.
Stopping as she rolled passed the deserted street she heard grunting and cries of pain. What the hell was going on down there?
Stopping a moment, she peeked down and caught sights of what seemed like a blonde woman in black leather sliding against the ground.
Lifting up her sleeve she flipped open a small computer she kept conveniently on her wrist. Punching in a few commands, she allowed her computer to link with her own back at the Clocktower. Three green dots were just north of her, but who were they?
Another code was punched in before she got her answer. "Dinah..." She shut the computer, and seemed to catch the blonde's gaze for an instant before pushing herself back on course. She hated to leave her girls unattended, but she needed to continue with her own mission.
As she neared GCPD, back to where she traced Calculator's message from, she stopped a few feet from the building's entrance. Flames and rubble seemed to stand all around her. How was she going to get inside?
With a hand running through her hair. Rubble, fire and steps made it impossible for her to go any further.
This was great.
***
In the alley, the invisible moving dot on Oracle's communicator system advanced slowly but surely.
Gypsy had her hands on a rather large and heavy pipe. While having agreed to being a diversion in the first place for Oracle, she was knocked clear back into a build on the opposite side of the street that she was orginally stationed at. She hit her head pretty bad and phased herself invisible and into unconsciousness.
The building, had collapsed around her, but Gypsy had been saved by a single piece of concrete sticking out in just the right way. it had taken her hours to dig herself out.
She was jolted awake by faint cries coming in the alley's direction and went to investigate, It was there when she saw Black Canary, Ravager and Prometheus duking it out like the pros they were.
Running back with her head lightheaded, she found a rather heavy lead pipe and slung it over her shoulder and trudged it back to where she currently was.
She couldn't let that S.O.B. take out her friend, her partner.
With inner rage she positioned herself just right and inhale and took one strong, solid swing to the base of his helmet, managing to shatter it in a few specific key places places. She didn't bother showing herself. It made it look like the building hear them was collpasing... at least to Prometheus.
Heaving the pipe back again she swung once again at Prometheus's head.
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:00:03 GMT -8
Nightwing Posted: Jan 14, 2007 9:20 PM
"Hang on, Tim. I'm going to get you help." He couldn't bring the boy anywhere on his motorcycle, he'd have to call in his car, the Nightbird. Ironically, the exact same vehicle he used to haul Tim to safety after a runin with Slade. Placing Tim gingerly in the backseat, lying him across both seats, he closed the door and climbed into the front.
After a speedy drive to the Clocktower, of which he made sure to avoid as many bumps to keep Tim from getting hurt, he arrived in good time. Nightwing opened the back door, and pulled Tim out carefully, trying not to worsen any of his wounds.
When he ran in to Oracle's command room, all he found was Superman. He hurriedly set Tim down on a table, "Clark do a quick scan of him to make sure he hasn't ruptured anything." It was good that Clark was here, his X-ray vision could have an analysis on Tim before Dick could even set up the x-ray machine.
But...where was Barbara? In times of crisis, she was usually on her computer typing away. The fact that she wasn't here, left him with an eerie feeling.
Turning his eyes away from Tim for the first time, "Where is she?"
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:00:54 GMT -8
Black Canary Posted: Jan 15, 2007 2:21 AM
Just as Dinah was about to get up on her feet a strong kick to her ribs sent her flying a few feet. this is just not my night As she struggled to get up her eyes picked up something or well someone at the end of the alley. It took her a minute to focus before she realized what she was looking at.
what the hell is she doing out of the clocktower? Whatever it was it couldn't be good. Dinah's thoughts were quickly distracted by a large crashing sound. She turned slightly to see a very large pipe hitting against Prometheus's helmet. Dinah smiled slightly. She turned back to the end of the alley but Barbara was gone. Hmm...maybe I was just seeing things...
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:01:13 GMT -8
Superman Posted: Jan 15, 2007 3:57 AM
Nightwing came into the Clocktower carrying Robin and set him down. The boy was in bad shape. From what Superman could see; his arm still hadn’t fully healed from injuries a short time back.
He X-rayed Robin at Nightwing’s request.
“Nothing’s ruptured Dick. He does have a couple of cracked ribs that are going to hurt; and a lot of bruises, but he’ll be ok. Reminds me of someone else years ago.”
Superman pulled Nightwing to the side and repeated the message that he’d heard.
“She had me bring her down to third street. I know you’re going to go after her Dick, but be careful.” Superman said putting his hand on Nightwing’s shoulder.
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:01:34 GMT -8
Nightwing Posted: Jan 15, 2007 4:37 AM
He ran his hand across Tim's forehead softly as Clark gave him his prognosis. His 'brother' was out of harm's way, for the most part, it sounded. "Alright, put a wrap on his lower abdomen. Mind your strength, I know he's probably as fragile as a banana."
He chuckled lightly as Clark said he was 'reminded of someone a few years ago'. "Oh really? Who's that?"
Dick's heart sank into his stomach when Clark told him that Barbara had gone out to the street. "What!? During this??" There had to be a logical reason, he just hadn't been told it yet. "But why?"
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:01:52 GMT -8
Superman Posted: Jan 15, 2007 5:03 AM
“I’ll be careful Dick. Don’t worry.”
As strong as he was, Superman was able to use a gentle touch when needed.
“He reminds me of another little bird that Bruce used to work with a while back.” He said to Nightwing winking at him. “Real go-getter, and real impatient. But one heck of a fine young man. And you still are.”
Superman stepped out of hearing distance from Tim and motioned for Nightwing to join him. Once he had, he leaned in and whispered, “She left because whoever it was, is holding her father and Tim’s father as hostages.
If I go, he has Kryptonite he’ll use. If you or any others in the Bat-family go, he’ll kill them instantly. He said he had some sort of sensors that could detect it. Sound like anyone you know?”
Superman knew that when it came to Barbara, Dick’s rational thinking went out the window. He only hoped his old friend would make a wise decision.
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:02:13 GMT -8
Nightwing Posted: Jan 15, 2007 5:30 AM
Dick chuckled lightly, "Yeah, that old bird has broken a wing or two, but they were always mended." He turned his eyes back to Tim, who lie unconscious on the table. "It'll be the same for him. He's one hell of a warrior."
He followed Clark as he lead Dick away from Robin, listening in as he spoke. His body became more tense with every word that left Clark's lips. He couldn't believe it.
"No...damn." he muttered under his breath. What could he do? They were in one hell of a bind. "Yeah, I know who that is. Calculator. The man who's behind this entire New Year's Bash."
He almost dashed for the window, but caught himself. Realizing if he made a move, Jack and Jim would be slaughtered instantly. "Damn..." he sent a fist into the wall as his greatest weakness came into play: Not being able to do anything.
"Damn, you Calc."
Dick sent his fist into the wall again, gritting his teeth. "When this is over...if any of us survive...there's no way anyone could make his life as miserable as he's made ours....but I'll come close..."
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:07:33 GMT -8
Robin Posted: Jan 15, 2007 5:39 AM
The car ride had been short and smooth for the most part. Dick had carried him up to the Clocktower, though Tim insisted he could walk. Dick laughed and told him he was full of it.
When they entered the green glowing room, Tim looked around expecting to see Barb turn around and say something but was confused seeing Clark. “S-Superman?” he asked looking up at Dick expecting an answer from his ‘brother’.
He was set down and was x-rayed by the Man of Steel. Broken ribs, bruises, no biggie. But that wasn’t what Tim was worried about. Where was Barb? It wasn’t like her not to be here. Twisting his head around Tim saw a pair of black boots and a golden lasso resting near the bedroom.
Cassie’s here? Maybe she’s in with Barb? But why would Cassie be here? he thought. He leaned up despite the shifting of his ribs, and looked over his shoulder.
“Where’s Barb?” he asked almost like a small child asking where his mother was. He refused to sit down until he knew where she was. It wasn’t like her to just disappear.
Looking at the green monitors as Dick and Clark talked, Tim wondered how his father and Dana were doing. Did they make it away to the bat-plane safely? Were they both okay?
“She had me bring her down to Third Street. I know you’re going to go after her Dick, but be careful.” Superman said putting his hand on Nightwing’s shoulder.
“She WHAT?!” Tim and Dick said at the same time. Pushing himself off the examination bed, Tim looked around panicked. She was out in this mess? “Why?! She can’t… she’ll get hurt…” he told them feeling himself fall back down on the bed. He couldn’t sit up anymore, the pain in his ribs was too great.
He closed his eyes before he realized and had passed out. His breathing pattern returning to normal as he looked up at the glowing green ceiling.
|
|
|
Post by Oracle on Aug 9, 2008 11:14:12 GMT -8
Wonder Girl Posted: Jan 15, 2007 6:01 AM
Cassie rolled over hearing some shouting and couldn’t remember much. Her shoes were off and her lasso was gone. Oh yea, she was with Oracle. She remembered now. That Caleb guy tried to kill her and Superman had brought her here.
‘I must have really been tired if I passed out…’ she thought getting up to see where the voices were coming from. As she turned the corner she stopped seeing Nightwing punching the wall and Superman trying to calm him down. Robin was on another bed passed out looking beaten up.
But no Oracle.
“What… what’s going on?” Cassie asked shyly hoping she wasn’t interrupting anything. “Is Tim okay?” she said slightly louder.
|
|