Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2015 5:40:41 GMT -5
Justice League Chapter 4 – “Chaos!”
Written by: Texgnome1
Edited by: Power Guy
Special thanks to Veil1 from the AFI forums for the Grodd pic! Thank you Veil1 - you are awesome!
Editorial note: This issue takes place prior to the events of Titans East Chapter 59
The Hall of Doom…
Grodd thought to himself for a moment. He knew that if the Legion waded in en masse, his hand would be tipped and he would be exposed. Yes, he would probably get what he wanted, but he’d also become a target. All the people who wanted the Crime Bible would come for him, and he simply couldn’t have that. Then it hit him.
“Sapphire, Kid Zoom. I need you to head to the site of the battle. I have a very specific job for you to handle. Try to keep a low profile. If you need to engage, by all means do so. But don’t initiate it.” He handed them a large, overstuffed letter. “You are to deliver this directly, and you are NOT to read it. Go.” Kid Zoom and Star Sapphire followed their orders and sped away obediently. Grodd turned in his chair to the figure hidden in the shadows. “As for you my shifty friend, I have a new assignment for you. I think it’s time to move to the next phase.”
False Face smiled wickedly. “It’s about time boss. So who are we gonna kill today?”
Grodd propped his feet up on his desk, lit a cigar, and smiled.
Dark Arrow
Dark Arrow looked up into the faces of his backup. Dr. Sand was as impassable as ever. Between the goggles and the gas mask, Arrow could never read him. He didn’t really like bringing him in, but he knew he’d be useful.
Sand noticed him staring. “Don’t worry. I don’t see you dying today. And don’t even think of asking. I don’t like groups, and I have no intention of sticking around.” Sand set off several more geothermal vents, and ninjas begin screaming. He caused two small tectonic eruptions which gave them all more cover.
Dark Arrow turned to the rest of the newcomers. White Wraith and Solution didn’t much like groups either, but he knew he’d need them most of all. The Solution was an odd guy – very quiet, but he seemed to always have a knack for seeing things others didn’t. “Solution, White Wraith, I need you on recovery. Obviously, the Crime Bible is either hidden somewhere in the wreckage, or it’s not here at all. I didn’t go through all this for nothing.”
The Solution nodded. “It’s not here – they used a decoy truck. Wraith, I’ll need you to teleport me there. Here are the coordinates.” White Wraith nodded, and they both vanished.
Dark Arrow smiled when he looked at the other four. The Rangers were Atmosphere’s friends and family. These were the four he DID want around the most. Aura was always so quiet, but he knew she was up to something. Scorpion wanted to just bash in some heads. The new Vigilante was scanning the battlefield. He’d known about Jake for years, but he’d only recently taken on his grandfather’s identity. And the diminutive Asian was an interesting case. Tatau had grown up with Jake, and the two were practically inseparable. Their grandfathers had been the same way, as Stuff had been the original Vigilante’s sidekick for years. His tattoos were incredibly useful, and even as Arrow thought it, Tatau tapped one of them. A full quiver of arrows popped out, and Tatau handed them to Dark Arrow.
Dark Arrow’s wrist communicator beeped. “Yes, what is it?”
Waller’s voice broke through, “… things going? Satellite image shows you guys are barely holding your own. Need momma to come bail you out?”
Dark Arrow bristled, “Listen, I may have agreed to help you, but that certainly doesn’t make us friends. I have my own backup.”
Waller’s voice was strained, “Fair enough bow-boy, but keep in mind that the other side does too. Our scans show at least two more inbound. You’d better wrap things up quickly. Waller out.”
Scorpion spoke, “Now that you’re done with your lover’s spat, I think our friends could use our help. Or do you want to stand here misty-eyed?”
Dark Arrow replied, “What, no hug?” He smiled and popped around the cover Dr. Sand had provided, firing arrows as he did.
The Hall of Doom
Grodd terminated the connection and sat back and smiled. Everything was back on schedule, and he knew it would just be a matter of time. Soon, he’d have everything he wanted.
Toyman and Gigantus
Toyman had tied Totem up, and then swung the rope over a high tree limb with Gigantus’ help. “Hey look Giant-Man, it’s a living breathing piñata!” They both roared with laughter. “Look, I wonder what will pop out.” WHACK! He swung his bat as hard as he could, and a sickening pop greeted him. “Ooh – that had to hurt. But it seems to be waking her up.”
Totem groaned, and slowly began to return to consciousness. She almost screamed when she saw Gigantus staring at her, and realized that her arms and shoulders were numb. “Where is Rapido? I hope he’s okay.” She thought to herself. She knew she needed to buy time. “What do you two idiots want? My friends will be here any minute. If I were you two losers, I’d bail while I still could.”
Gigantus slapped her with the back of his hand, which sent her spinning. “I love it when these hero types try to talk brave to stall.”
Toyman cackled with laughter. “I know, it’s hilarious isn’t it. See, we’re here on loan – Brother Blood got us out on a Work Detail if you can believe that one. But we aren’t high up enough to know what it is we’re guarding. We figure you are, and if you want to live, you’ll tell us. Now.”
Totem caught the inflection in the last word. It wasn’t a scream, but she’d had enough training to know he meant business. Gigantus balled up his fist, and she could tell he wouldn’t miss. “Alright! No more hitting. It’s the Crime Bible. I figure it can’t hurt to tell you meatballs.”
POW! Totem nearly threw up as she spun. Gigantus’ blow had been bad enough, but it set her twisting again. Gigantus grinned. “Idiot girl. That certainly changes things. You just became leverage. If your group gets the Bible, I wonder how much they’ll have to think about trading it. For YOU.”
Suddenly, Totem felt the rope snap and herself falling. She heard Gigantus and Toyman scream. “Turn into something useful quick.” She heard in her ear.
“Oh thank God Rapido. I thought they’d killed you.” Totem stated, relieved.
“No, you saved me just in time. But I would have been out for a while if not for our friends.” Rapido replied
Totem looked over Rapido’s shoulder. A small Asian man was giving Gigantus fits. He was weaving in and out of the big man's legs, and hitting him at every opportunity. It literally looked like David vs. Goliath. Toyman was swinging blindly at Stellar.
“Ha! You two thought you could beat up on the beautiful Totem?” Stellar yelled, “I don’t think so. Unluckily for you, my friends retrieved my belt on their way in.” He blasted Toyman’s bat, and Toyman screamed.
“NO! Why do you caped cretins always ruin my toys?” Toyman pressed a button on his belt, and Stellar heard the humming just in time to dodge. Toyman had summoned a swarm of toy parrots. “Polly want a cracker! Polly want a cracker! SQUAWK!”
Stellar started blasting them, and finally Totem could feel her hands. “Golden Eagle.”
Rapido and Totem went to aid them. The small Asian man saw them coming, and Totem saw him press one of his many tattoos. As she got closer, she realized he was covered in them. “Welcome back! Glad you could join the fun.” He called. “Names Tatau. Watch this.” He tapped a tattoo, and heaved the large rock that sprang forth. It caught Gigantus square in the privates. Gigantus fell to his knees, and Totem tried to stifle a laugh as his eyes rolled back in his head. She tapped her totem and called, “Hippo.” She had used her speed as an eagle to aim straight for his head. Just as she hit, Tatau hit Gigantus in the chin with a cane pole. They all dove to avoid the falling behemoth.
Stellar and Rapido finished Toyman. Rapido punched him repeatedly, while Stellar dealt with his annoying pets. Stellar asked Tatau, “So you have any rope on you?”
They all laughed as they tied them up, and started back toward the main battle.
Back at the Main Battle
Kobra knew she was outmanned and most likely overpowered. She had disabled two of them, but they had called in reinforcements and Blood was still unconscious. She was now fighting a young, petite woman with bright red hair. And quite honestly, the young woman was aggravating her beyond belief. She seemed to dodge Kobra’s blows effortlessly.
Brute had been using Lt. Atom as a punching bag when the other woman had hit him. It felt as though someone had smashed his head with a mason block. He’d also been hit with several arrows. The arrows were stuck because every time he tried to pull one out, the woman hit him again. He managed to backhand her into the wreckage of the SUV, and went to work pulling out arrows.
“BRUTE! You big ugly son of a b****! I am going to kick your butt!” Sixty Minute Soldier had emerged from the woods on the right. His mask was torn, his right arm hung limply at his side, and his left eye was swollen. He still barreled straight at Brute.
“Oh no. This is gonna hurt.” Brute said just as Sixty slammed into him. He went flying, and too late noticed that the woman was swinging the SUV wreckage directly at his face. “Yeah, this is so gonna hurt.”
Scorpion and Sixty Minute Soldier sighed in relief.
Kobra
Another masked man had now joined the annoying brat. He’d actually had the nerve to introduce himself. “Vigilante ma’am. Sorry to do this to you, but you’ve tried to hurt several of my friends.” He had begun hitting her each time she lunged, and when she would try to hit him, the girl would hit her. They would never have been able to do this if she’d been full strength, but her fight with the one called Atmosphere had nearly exhausted her.
Aura began to taunt Kobra. “You’re getting tired, I can tell. I can read your energy field. Haven’t you wondered why you’re so sleepy? I’ve been siphoning off a little as I synched up to it. Or maybe you’re just a decrepit old woman. What are you? 40? 41?”
Kobra could not handle the insults, and struck out in rage. She realized too late that’s what the girl had wanted. Aura dodged and the one called Vigilante struck her chin with his palm. The blow sent her reeling, and she knew it was time to leave. She pressed the button on her belt, and teleported away.
Dark Arrow and Dr. Sand had finished off the ninjas and were now helping Lt. Atom up. Dark Arrow turned to see Tatau return with the rest of his team in tow. Scorpion and Aura were helping their brother to his feet, while Sixty Minute Soldier looked for Airwave.
“Hey Totem,” Sixty said. “I can’t find Airwave. There’s a lot of wreckage though. Could you please give me a hand?”
Totem tapped her belt. “Shark.” She began to sniff, and just as she did they all heard a horrific sound. Blood had awakened, and was tossing the piece of Atmosphere’s ear to the ground.
Brother Blood
“HOW DARE YOU! I have been beaten, humiliated, and man-handled by a bunch of whelps. I am Brother Blood. I could kill any one of you in open combat.”
The Justice League turned to meet Blood’s threat, but found themselves flying through the air. Blood roared. “Hahahaha! You look like harlots at one of my houses – all of you flying with your legs in the air! Too bad I don’t have a camera.”
Blood closed in on the Justice League as he began to increase the air pressure on them. “Hmm… who will I kill first? Perhaps the little girl. I bet she tastes wonderful.”
Suddenly, a pair of hands closed around Blood’s head from behind. Foam began to pour from his mouth, and a stream of blood poured from his nose. He suddenly collapsed. Airwave stood revealed behind him, gasping for air and clutching his side. “C-List heroes you jerk. NEVER turn your back on them. The sound of ten Hiroshima’s will send even you nighty night.”
Dark Arrow began to clap, and the others soon joined in. “Waller’s been keeping the authorities out, but they’re chomping at the bit. We should go.”
“What about the Bible?” Atom asked. “Any word on it?”
As if on queue – Wraith and Solution appeared. Solution sported a nasty cut over his eye, but otherwise appeared unharmed. White Wraith stood solemnly beside him.
“We have it Dark Arrow.” White Wraith said.
“Good” Arrow replied. “Let’s wrap up these villains and get the heck out of here.”
Gigantus and Toyman
Toyman’s muffled screams emanated from his bonds. He had every intention of wringing that animal witch’s neck, if he could just get out of here. Somehow they’d shrunk Gigantus, and tied him with steel cable. Gigantus yelled at him (again), “Shut UP you!”
Toyman began to panic at the thought of going back to his prison cell. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack..”
A beautiful woman with smooth skin and a red jewel in her forehead appeared next to a young man with bright blonde hair. The boy began to work on Gigantus’ bonds, and the woman began to untie him.
“If you would rather go back to your cells, I can arrange that. However, a mutual friend of ours has an alternative arrangement for you.” Star Sapphire said to Toyman.
Toyman took the letter, opened it, and smiled. Grodd’s message was clear. The Legion was full, but they’d both be given retainers. They were to leave Blood’s employment and lie low in the event they were needed. He’d always hoped he could take his dad’s place in Grodd’s Legion. Now he’d taken the first step. Things were looking up after all.
To be concluded in JLA #5!
Written by: Texgnome1
Edited by: Power Guy
Special thanks to Veil1 from the AFI forums for the Grodd pic! Thank you Veil1 - you are awesome!
Editorial note: This issue takes place prior to the events of Titans East Chapter 59
The Hall of Doom…
Grodd thought to himself for a moment. He knew that if the Legion waded in en masse, his hand would be tipped and he would be exposed. Yes, he would probably get what he wanted, but he’d also become a target. All the people who wanted the Crime Bible would come for him, and he simply couldn’t have that. Then it hit him.
“Sapphire, Kid Zoom. I need you to head to the site of the battle. I have a very specific job for you to handle. Try to keep a low profile. If you need to engage, by all means do so. But don’t initiate it.” He handed them a large, overstuffed letter. “You are to deliver this directly, and you are NOT to read it. Go.” Kid Zoom and Star Sapphire followed their orders and sped away obediently. Grodd turned in his chair to the figure hidden in the shadows. “As for you my shifty friend, I have a new assignment for you. I think it’s time to move to the next phase.”
False Face smiled wickedly. “It’s about time boss. So who are we gonna kill today?”
Grodd propped his feet up on his desk, lit a cigar, and smiled.
Dark Arrow
Dark Arrow looked up into the faces of his backup. Dr. Sand was as impassable as ever. Between the goggles and the gas mask, Arrow could never read him. He didn’t really like bringing him in, but he knew he’d be useful.
Sand noticed him staring. “Don’t worry. I don’t see you dying today. And don’t even think of asking. I don’t like groups, and I have no intention of sticking around.” Sand set off several more geothermal vents, and ninjas begin screaming. He caused two small tectonic eruptions which gave them all more cover.
Dark Arrow turned to the rest of the newcomers. White Wraith and Solution didn’t much like groups either, but he knew he’d need them most of all. The Solution was an odd guy – very quiet, but he seemed to always have a knack for seeing things others didn’t. “Solution, White Wraith, I need you on recovery. Obviously, the Crime Bible is either hidden somewhere in the wreckage, or it’s not here at all. I didn’t go through all this for nothing.”
The Solution nodded. “It’s not here – they used a decoy truck. Wraith, I’ll need you to teleport me there. Here are the coordinates.” White Wraith nodded, and they both vanished.
Dark Arrow smiled when he looked at the other four. The Rangers were Atmosphere’s friends and family. These were the four he DID want around the most. Aura was always so quiet, but he knew she was up to something. Scorpion wanted to just bash in some heads. The new Vigilante was scanning the battlefield. He’d known about Jake for years, but he’d only recently taken on his grandfather’s identity. And the diminutive Asian was an interesting case. Tatau had grown up with Jake, and the two were practically inseparable. Their grandfathers had been the same way, as Stuff had been the original Vigilante’s sidekick for years. His tattoos were incredibly useful, and even as Arrow thought it, Tatau tapped one of them. A full quiver of arrows popped out, and Tatau handed them to Dark Arrow.
Dark Arrow’s wrist communicator beeped. “Yes, what is it?”
Waller’s voice broke through, “… things going? Satellite image shows you guys are barely holding your own. Need momma to come bail you out?”
Dark Arrow bristled, “Listen, I may have agreed to help you, but that certainly doesn’t make us friends. I have my own backup.”
Waller’s voice was strained, “Fair enough bow-boy, but keep in mind that the other side does too. Our scans show at least two more inbound. You’d better wrap things up quickly. Waller out.”
Scorpion spoke, “Now that you’re done with your lover’s spat, I think our friends could use our help. Or do you want to stand here misty-eyed?”
Dark Arrow replied, “What, no hug?” He smiled and popped around the cover Dr. Sand had provided, firing arrows as he did.
The Hall of Doom
Grodd terminated the connection and sat back and smiled. Everything was back on schedule, and he knew it would just be a matter of time. Soon, he’d have everything he wanted.
Toyman and Gigantus
Toyman had tied Totem up, and then swung the rope over a high tree limb with Gigantus’ help. “Hey look Giant-Man, it’s a living breathing piñata!” They both roared with laughter. “Look, I wonder what will pop out.” WHACK! He swung his bat as hard as he could, and a sickening pop greeted him. “Ooh – that had to hurt. But it seems to be waking her up.”
Totem groaned, and slowly began to return to consciousness. She almost screamed when she saw Gigantus staring at her, and realized that her arms and shoulders were numb. “Where is Rapido? I hope he’s okay.” She thought to herself. She knew she needed to buy time. “What do you two idiots want? My friends will be here any minute. If I were you two losers, I’d bail while I still could.”
Gigantus slapped her with the back of his hand, which sent her spinning. “I love it when these hero types try to talk brave to stall.”
Toyman cackled with laughter. “I know, it’s hilarious isn’t it. See, we’re here on loan – Brother Blood got us out on a Work Detail if you can believe that one. But we aren’t high up enough to know what it is we’re guarding. We figure you are, and if you want to live, you’ll tell us. Now.”
Totem caught the inflection in the last word. It wasn’t a scream, but she’d had enough training to know he meant business. Gigantus balled up his fist, and she could tell he wouldn’t miss. “Alright! No more hitting. It’s the Crime Bible. I figure it can’t hurt to tell you meatballs.”
POW! Totem nearly threw up as she spun. Gigantus’ blow had been bad enough, but it set her twisting again. Gigantus grinned. “Idiot girl. That certainly changes things. You just became leverage. If your group gets the Bible, I wonder how much they’ll have to think about trading it. For YOU.”
Suddenly, Totem felt the rope snap and herself falling. She heard Gigantus and Toyman scream. “Turn into something useful quick.” She heard in her ear.
“Oh thank God Rapido. I thought they’d killed you.” Totem stated, relieved.
“No, you saved me just in time. But I would have been out for a while if not for our friends.” Rapido replied
Totem looked over Rapido’s shoulder. A small Asian man was giving Gigantus fits. He was weaving in and out of the big man's legs, and hitting him at every opportunity. It literally looked like David vs. Goliath. Toyman was swinging blindly at Stellar.
“Ha! You two thought you could beat up on the beautiful Totem?” Stellar yelled, “I don’t think so. Unluckily for you, my friends retrieved my belt on their way in.” He blasted Toyman’s bat, and Toyman screamed.
“NO! Why do you caped cretins always ruin my toys?” Toyman pressed a button on his belt, and Stellar heard the humming just in time to dodge. Toyman had summoned a swarm of toy parrots. “Polly want a cracker! Polly want a cracker! SQUAWK!”
Stellar started blasting them, and finally Totem could feel her hands. “Golden Eagle.”
Rapido and Totem went to aid them. The small Asian man saw them coming, and Totem saw him press one of his many tattoos. As she got closer, she realized he was covered in them. “Welcome back! Glad you could join the fun.” He called. “Names Tatau. Watch this.” He tapped a tattoo, and heaved the large rock that sprang forth. It caught Gigantus square in the privates. Gigantus fell to his knees, and Totem tried to stifle a laugh as his eyes rolled back in his head. She tapped her totem and called, “Hippo.” She had used her speed as an eagle to aim straight for his head. Just as she hit, Tatau hit Gigantus in the chin with a cane pole. They all dove to avoid the falling behemoth.
Stellar and Rapido finished Toyman. Rapido punched him repeatedly, while Stellar dealt with his annoying pets. Stellar asked Tatau, “So you have any rope on you?”
They all laughed as they tied them up, and started back toward the main battle.
Back at the Main Battle
Kobra knew she was outmanned and most likely overpowered. She had disabled two of them, but they had called in reinforcements and Blood was still unconscious. She was now fighting a young, petite woman with bright red hair. And quite honestly, the young woman was aggravating her beyond belief. She seemed to dodge Kobra’s blows effortlessly.
Brute had been using Lt. Atom as a punching bag when the other woman had hit him. It felt as though someone had smashed his head with a mason block. He’d also been hit with several arrows. The arrows were stuck because every time he tried to pull one out, the woman hit him again. He managed to backhand her into the wreckage of the SUV, and went to work pulling out arrows.
“BRUTE! You big ugly son of a b****! I am going to kick your butt!” Sixty Minute Soldier had emerged from the woods on the right. His mask was torn, his right arm hung limply at his side, and his left eye was swollen. He still barreled straight at Brute.
“Oh no. This is gonna hurt.” Brute said just as Sixty slammed into him. He went flying, and too late noticed that the woman was swinging the SUV wreckage directly at his face. “Yeah, this is so gonna hurt.”
Scorpion and Sixty Minute Soldier sighed in relief.
Kobra
Another masked man had now joined the annoying brat. He’d actually had the nerve to introduce himself. “Vigilante ma’am. Sorry to do this to you, but you’ve tried to hurt several of my friends.” He had begun hitting her each time she lunged, and when she would try to hit him, the girl would hit her. They would never have been able to do this if she’d been full strength, but her fight with the one called Atmosphere had nearly exhausted her.
Aura began to taunt Kobra. “You’re getting tired, I can tell. I can read your energy field. Haven’t you wondered why you’re so sleepy? I’ve been siphoning off a little as I synched up to it. Or maybe you’re just a decrepit old woman. What are you? 40? 41?”
Kobra could not handle the insults, and struck out in rage. She realized too late that’s what the girl had wanted. Aura dodged and the one called Vigilante struck her chin with his palm. The blow sent her reeling, and she knew it was time to leave. She pressed the button on her belt, and teleported away.
Dark Arrow and Dr. Sand had finished off the ninjas and were now helping Lt. Atom up. Dark Arrow turned to see Tatau return with the rest of his team in tow. Scorpion and Aura were helping their brother to his feet, while Sixty Minute Soldier looked for Airwave.
“Hey Totem,” Sixty said. “I can’t find Airwave. There’s a lot of wreckage though. Could you please give me a hand?”
Totem tapped her belt. “Shark.” She began to sniff, and just as she did they all heard a horrific sound. Blood had awakened, and was tossing the piece of Atmosphere’s ear to the ground.
Brother Blood
“HOW DARE YOU! I have been beaten, humiliated, and man-handled by a bunch of whelps. I am Brother Blood. I could kill any one of you in open combat.”
The Justice League turned to meet Blood’s threat, but found themselves flying through the air. Blood roared. “Hahahaha! You look like harlots at one of my houses – all of you flying with your legs in the air! Too bad I don’t have a camera.”
Blood closed in on the Justice League as he began to increase the air pressure on them. “Hmm… who will I kill first? Perhaps the little girl. I bet she tastes wonderful.”
Suddenly, a pair of hands closed around Blood’s head from behind. Foam began to pour from his mouth, and a stream of blood poured from his nose. He suddenly collapsed. Airwave stood revealed behind him, gasping for air and clutching his side. “C-List heroes you jerk. NEVER turn your back on them. The sound of ten Hiroshima’s will send even you nighty night.”
Dark Arrow began to clap, and the others soon joined in. “Waller’s been keeping the authorities out, but they’re chomping at the bit. We should go.”
“What about the Bible?” Atom asked. “Any word on it?”
As if on queue – Wraith and Solution appeared. Solution sported a nasty cut over his eye, but otherwise appeared unharmed. White Wraith stood solemnly beside him.
“We have it Dark Arrow.” White Wraith said.
“Good” Arrow replied. “Let’s wrap up these villains and get the heck out of here.”
Gigantus and Toyman
Toyman’s muffled screams emanated from his bonds. He had every intention of wringing that animal witch’s neck, if he could just get out of here. Somehow they’d shrunk Gigantus, and tied him with steel cable. Gigantus yelled at him (again), “Shut UP you!”
Toyman began to panic at the thought of going back to his prison cell. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack..”
A beautiful woman with smooth skin and a red jewel in her forehead appeared next to a young man with bright blonde hair. The boy began to work on Gigantus’ bonds, and the woman began to untie him.
“If you would rather go back to your cells, I can arrange that. However, a mutual friend of ours has an alternative arrangement for you.” Star Sapphire said to Toyman.
Toyman took the letter, opened it, and smiled. Grodd’s message was clear. The Legion was full, but they’d both be given retainers. They were to leave Blood’s employment and lie low in the event they were needed. He’d always hoped he could take his dad’s place in Grodd’s Legion. Now he’d taken the first step. Things were looking up after all.
To be concluded in JLA #5!