A woman lay dead in the midst of a large, circular room. Torches that had moments go been ablaze were now smoking husks of wood. No one was left in the dark ritual room, except for one.
The hooded figure leaned slowly over the lifeless body. He touched the corpse tentatively, as if the body would move at any moment.
Of course, that would not be happening today. The woman was quite dead, and her friends and family would never know the details of her tragic demise.
The figure took great care cutting the emblem off the shirt of the woman's royal blue uniform. That and her mask would be the only remnants left. After meticulously completing his task, the hooded one heaved the corpse over his shoulder, as if it were a sack of potatos. The fire was ready for her. As a neophyte, this was his responsibility.
To his left was a huge blaze. The fire was beckoning. The fire crackled as her hurled the woman into it. The neophyte did not seem to be bothered by the pungent smell as the smoke billowed into the air.
He stared at the emblem . This was the only thing left of the woman now, a tribute to her glory days. The man who had brought her here would earn great favor with the Elders, and would now be able to join their ranks...
He pulled the cloth out of his pocket and stared at it. The elders would require this for their collection, but the blue face mask was his do with as he pleased. HE put the mask over his eyes, looking throught the holes at the emblem. He wondered what it was like the first time she put the mask on, what exhilirating feeling she must have felt? He wondered if she would ever have done it if she had known how it would end...
Continuing to look out the empty eyeholes, he stared at the insignia that he had taken great care to remove.
A red and yellow fascimile of the liberty bell...
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Chapter 1
"Where the hell are you, Libby?" Jessie Chambers slammed down the phone. She had tried to contact her mother for several days and had not heard a single word back. Now LIbby and Jessie had gone weeks without speaking in the past, so Jessie had no reason to worry.
But she was...
***
Todd Rice and Jennie-Lynn Hayden were flying through the night sky. As Obsidian and Jade, they were the twin children of Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern. At one time, they were also members of Infinity, Inc., a team of proteges and other successors of the Justice Society of America. Infinity had long since disbanded and Jade was palling around with the OUtsiders these days.
But Todd Rice's life had taken a different turn. After Infinity disbanded, he joined the Justice League, but that really didn't work out very well. After that, things went completely downhill. His shadow powers corrupted him and for a long time, he was quite crazy. The love of his father helped to bring him back, but at the cost of his power over the shadows...
He was glad to be flying with his sister again, but he would never tell anyone what he had to do in order to get them back. No one could ever find out that secret or there would be hell to pay.
***
Frances Kane sat alone in her room. For many months, she had been seen in the company of former rogues Pied Pier and Trickster, former enemies of Wally West, the Flash. Frances never really considered herself a rogue though. As Magenta, she was a hero first, but her powers of magnetism tended to make her a bit crazy with power.
She really wanted to be a good person, but it wasn't easy. It was as if fate wanted her to be bad. And honestly, Frances didn't know if she had the strength to be good anymore. Especially after what she had done two days ago. She hoped that God would forgive her...
***
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Charlie Parker danced the night away at his favorite dance club, the Harbour. His newest boy-toy, Malachi, wrapped around his arms.
He had had a few too many too drink, as usual. But drinking was a good way to forget.
Charlie was startled as someone tapped his shoulder.
"Charlie?"
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Charlie braced himself. It was happening again...
"Errr, no. I guess not. You just look alot like someone I used to know. But that's not possible... He - he died..."
"I just have one of those faces," Charlie said reassuringly. He was lying through his teeth to the man he had shared many years with. But no one could know the truth about the way the Golden Eagle died, or the way he came back...
Yeah, drinking was a great way to forget...
***
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Ralph Dibny was so very tired of being sad. He was also tired of being angry, remorseful, guilty, depressed and any other negative emotion he could think of.
The love of his life, his wife Sue, had been brutally murdered by a woman he once called a friend. He had been beside himself with grief. Sue was more than his wife, she was his partner, his... equal.
But Ralph had another great love. Ralph loved a mystery. And although Sue would always be his shining star, Ralph was ready to move on with his life. The was a mystery afoot, Ralph could feel it.
He had received a phone call from Jesse Chambers, aka Jesse Quick. It seems that her mother, Libby, had disappeared. Little did Ralph know, this phone call would change his life forever...
Posted by Harbinger on :
DANNY!! DANNY!! DANNY!!
The crowd are chanting your name in eager anticipation of the wonder that is your latest story.
Do I need to say we need more, more, more?
It's great to see you back with us in Bit's Matt, you have IMO the best grip of prose in this forum and your stories are always a total treat!
Bxx
More, more, more!!!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Jack Knight was looking around his shop. It could use a bit of dusting, but otherwise, everything looked great. He didn't like to have everything in a certain place. Everything should just go where it felt the most natural.
He had long since put the super hero life behind him and was glad to do so. After his dad died, he really didn't see the point.
The JSA was doing just fine and Courtney seemed like a terrific candidate to fulfil his father's legacy. At least, until...
Just then a bright light filled the room. A transparent bubble the size of a small car appeared out of nowhere. Jack knew immediately what was happening. He was not a bit surprised when a lone figure stepped out of the object.
Jack stepped forward. "hey there!"
"Hi Jack, Remember me? I'm Thom Kallor! I guess I should just get used to calling myself Danny though."
"'Course, I remember! Good to see you ,guy! How are the other Legionnaires?"
"Lost in the timestream, I-I don't think they are coming back."
***
Thom held back the tears, thinking about his beloved Nura. She was as lost to him as the rest. He had tried to return to his own time, but nothing seemed right about it. Everything was different. He... even saw himself. At least he thinks he did. But that was when he knew that it was time to go to the past. He had a destiny to fulfill. If Nura had taught him anything, it was that you cannot fight your destiny, no matter how much you wanted to. In a way, that's why he was here now, in the year 2005. What better way to honor Nura than to do the very thing that destiny had laid in front of him.
[ January 25, 2005, 05:00 PM: Message edited by: Danny Blaine ]
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
OK so we have Obsidian, Jesse Quick, Magenta, Elongated Man, Golden Eagle, and Starman.
Soon, the puzzle pieces will begin to come together.
Hope you enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. It has taken a life of its own (it was origianlly gonna be about a new Secret Society of Super Villains. Now, it's turning into something completely different.
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
This is fun, Matt! Great to see the recent DC stories woven into this one and I'm a big fan of Jack Knight. Very interested to see where this story goes!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Cindy Reynolds looked up at the sky. It was going to rain. Again.
Her life had not gone the way she had planned at all. Sure, she ran away as a teenager and joined the Justice League. But what kid doesn't do that? Ok, most don't join the JLA as Gypsy, but still.
That was when she encountered Despero for the first time. The alien creature who would not only try to kill her, but did succeed in killing her parents and little brother.
After that, Cyndi had joined other groups, such as the Conglomerate and the Justice League Task Force. But really, she only had two friends left in the world. Mari McCabe, the heroine known as Vixen and J'Onn...
She never told them of her plans. Or what she would have to do to see them become reality. She was going to destroy that monster Despero, no matter what she had to do. Cindy cried when her parents and brother were murdered. There were no more tears left.
It had taken her years, but she finally found someone willing to help her. They had only asked for what they called a small favor. It was worth it, Cindy thought. She would do whatever she had to.
***
[ January 27, 2005, 11:39 AM: Message edited by: Danny Blaine ]
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Danny-
This just gets better and better!
more, more, more!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
"Ralph, thank you so much for coming!" Jesse had tried to hide her worry, but she was sure something had happened to her mother. Something... terrible.
"Anything for a friend of Wally." Ralph answered. Jesse wondered if she had done the right thing. After all, Ralph's own wife had been murdered not all that long ago. Would he be up to this? "And Jesse, please don't second-guess your decision to contact me. I - I won't break."
"What? I mean, how'd you...?" Ralph chcukled slightly.
"... know what you were thinking?" He finished her thought for her. "It's what I do. Isn't that why you called me?"
"Well, yeah." Jesse allowed herself to smile slightly.
"So... let's get down to business. When was the last time you saw your mother?"
"Honestly? I don't remember. We... Well, we haven't been getting along recently."
"Why not?" Ralph's nose twitched slightly. "Family squabble?"
"You could say that," Jesse answered matter-of-factly. "I slept with her fiance'"
Ralph's jaw literally dropped to the floor.
***
Posted by Sonnie on :
Matt, you always write fantastic bite sized sections that move the story on quickly.... it makes for an exciting read!
I don't follow any DC these days except the Legion so whats this about Sue Digby being dead?
Obsidian, Jesse Quick, Magenta, Elongated Man, Golden Eagle, and Starman - now there's an intereting mix! And Gypsy on a psycho revenge kick? Why this idea hasn't been used already is a mystery as it makes sense and could lead to a lot of trouble for the hero community.... nice one!
This is excellent Matt, thanks for posting it here for us
Hope all is dandy
Kx
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Todd returned home after spending the night on patrol with his sister. God, it felt good...
He stared at a picture of his pals from Infinity, Inc.
"Those were great days," he said aloud. Oh, how he wished he could go back! Even dealing with Hector in that ridiculous Silver Scarab outside wasn't THAT bad. Todd smiled to himself.
He had a second chance now. Just like Hector. And even Lyta is back. Everything seemed to be getting better for everyone. He had his powers back now, maybe he could join the JSA. Or maybe the Outsiders, even.
He slipped out of his dark blue uniform sat at his bedside. He really felt bad about what he done to get his powers back. He remembered the hooded man...
"Just make sure she gets the message," said the dark figure. "She has to arrive at exactly the right time."
"No one will get hurt, right?"
"No one will get hurt," The voice was cold, almost robotic. IT sounded almost as if he were mocking Todd.
Todd did what was asked. Several days later, he awoke to see a figure at his window. Todd couldn't make anything out in the darkness. He felt himself fall to the floor. Unconsciousness came quickly.
When he awoke, Todd could feel the darkness coursing through his veins again. His powers were back!
He didn't really feel that bad about what he had done. All he did was make a phone call to a retired heroine who was big during WWII. What could possible happen at that meeting that the famous LIberty Belle couldn't handle???
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Todd, Todd, Toddd... what have you done!?
Keep it coming, Danny!
quote:Originally posted by Sonnie: I don't follow any DC these days except the Legion so whats this about Sue Digby being dead?
Sonnie, from what I gather, Sue was killed in ther "Identity Crisis" miniseries last year.
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Previously:
Libby Lawrence was furious. She would be late for her therapy session if this took too long. And God knows, she needed the therapy. After what Jesse did to her she wondered if she would ever feel normal again.
What could be so important that Alan couldn't have called her himself? But no, he had his son do it. HIS CRAZY SON... Was that all the attention that Liberty Belle warranted these days?
And why would he ask her to meet him at the old cave the JLA abandoned years ago?
She stood at the entrance for a few minutes, waiting for something to happen. A large bird caught her eye as it flew down from the clear blue sky.
As the bird flew closer, it gleamed in the sunlight. As her eyesight adjusted itself, Libby wondered if her eyes had been playing tricks on her. When she opened her eyes, she was startled by the sight of a young man hovering right in front of her! His shiny uniform consisted of a bird motiff and what looked like a mask that Carter had worn a few years before.
She had always liked that mask. Why Carter ever wore that stupid cloth one was beyond her.
"And you are?"
"You can call me Golden Eagle. It's good to meet you."
***
Posted by Queen B on :
Hey bone-idle boy, you going to keep us in suspenders over this or what? (correct answer - "no!" just in case you wondered )
Repeat after me - more, more, more!!!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
More this weekend... I hope.
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Charlie woke up with a severe hangover. As usual for him, he wasn't exactly sure what his current location was. He sighed slightly, smelling the delicious aroma of eggs and bacon.
"Here we go again..."
He got out of bed, quickly locating his designer jeans, buttoning them as Malachi entered.
"Oh, you're awake!" The earnest smile on Mal's face made Charlie feel the familiar pang of guilt for what he was about to do. "I made breakfast!"
"That's nice. But I really gotta run." Beat. Malachi shifted gears so loudly that Charlie could almost hear them. "Oh. That's ok then. I'm not a really good cook anyway." Mal still managed a slight smile, but he knew what was coming next. They always did.
"I'd give you my number," Charlie stated matter-of-factly, his voice a droning monotone. "But I'm going to be out town for awhile."
"I see."
"Well, I gotta run, Mal. Thanks for the terrific night. I had a good time."
"Yeah. Me too..." The familiar dance concluded, Charlie left. After leaving the three story building, Charlie paused and looked up at Malachi's window. "I'm sorry," he whispered...
***
Previously
"I'm sorry that Green Lantern couldn't meet you himself."
"No problem, kid." She watched the man known as Golden Eagle hovering in front of her. "But how are you involved in all of this?"
"Quite by accident," he answered. ""The JSA is looking for anyone who can help with the current situation."
"Which is what exactly?!" Libby was not amused. Sending Golden Eagle as a messenger? What the hell is going on?
"I know you have questions."
"Ya think?"
"I really don't have any answers myself. I was told to meet you here and to wait for our contact. That's all I know."
Libby didn't like this. Not one bit. But she would bide her time and wait. Obviously, the Golden Pigeon didn't have any answers."
Golden Eagle simply stared at her. "I'm sorry," he whispered. I a series of quick movements, he struck the unsuspecting heroine over the head. Liberty Belle was unconscious.
A beeping noise came from his shiny helmet. He pressed a button on the earpiece.
"Did you do it?" Came the robotic, yet strangely feminine voice.
"Yeah, I fucking did it. Are you happy now?" Charlie hated this. But he owed his life to the organization. They had saved him after the Titans had left him for dead. They figured he owed themm, and he did. But to ensure that loyalty, they would occasionally play their trump card.
If he didn't cooperate with them, they would butcher the love of his life.
Charlie remembered how hard he had prayed while being strangled by the Wildebeest. He prayed for a second chance. He didn't relaly believe in God, but he was desperate.
But now, Charlie realized that the old saying was indeed true...
"Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it." The Golden Eagle flew off into the sky. It was just about time for happy hour...
Posted by Vee on :
*british accent on*
Please sir, may I have more?
*british accent off*
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Frances Kane smiled brightly at herself in the mirror. It was a beautiful day. And Frances was able to enjoy it without having one of her... episodes. In fact, it had been awhile since she had a single "impure" thought.
She looked back at everything she had been through the past few years. After losing her brother and father many years ago, Frances was raised by her mother. But unfortunately for Frances, mommy dearest had been unable to forgive Frances for surviving. After that, things got worse...
Her ability to manipulate the earth's magnetic fields was somehow tapped into by some stupid Green Lantern villian, Dr. Polaris. Her powers went berzerk and caused alot of damage. She regained control of them long enough to aid the Titans several times, most notably against Brother Blood.
But then, STAR labs had requested that she do some tests there. Unfortunately, she was made a sleeper agent of a rogue scientist at the facility. Not long after that, Raven had gone rogue, using former Titans as hosts for Trigon's seed.
Frances never really recovered from that. It had been the straw that finally broke Frances Kane.
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Frances had been mentally ambushed so many times that she had finally snapped. She had tried to kill Wally West and his wife Linda several times, finally partnering up with the "good" Rogues.
But even they didn't know that she had been contacted by someone else. Someone who had offered to help her. She just had to do one tiny favor for him...
***
Previously
Liberty Belle woke up with a pounding headache. As her vision cleared, she guardedly started looking around for a sign of life. There was no one there. She was still on the ground outside the cave. Why Golden Eagle didn't finish the job was a mystery. She intended to get to the bottom of it, when another costumed woman showed up.
"What is this, third string hero night?" She asked aloud of the female in purple and white.
"I hate to mention the obvious, but you're here too."
"I'm not first string, not anymore. But once upon a time..."
"Save the yearning for someone sensitive to that crap. I don't care if you once married the President himself!"
"Well, aren't you a bitchy young thing. Reminds me of my daughter." Liberty Belle hoped that she was ready this time. If she was ambushed again, she would be ready.
"Your supposed to come with me inside the cave. By the way, you can call me Magenta."
"Magenta? Like the color? You've got to be kidding me. Where's your partner, Fushia?"
She sensed that she was pissing of the young girl. Good. Maybe she would get sloppy if she got too angry. Easier to fight...
They walked slowly into the cave, past the old security entrance and finally made their way into the holding cell area.
Without a word, Magenta waived her hands in the air, and Libby found herself flying into one of the cells. With another waive of her hand, Magenta slammed the door behind Libby, locking it.
So much for not being taken by surprise...
Magenta was wearing a full face mask, but LIbby was almost positive she could see a smile underneath the cloth.
***
Posted by Mattropolis on :
Thom had hoped to get solace from jack, but nothing would bring Nura back. She was lost to him... forever.
That said, the 21st century wasn't that bad. The clothes were kinda funky and it took some practice to get used to speaking in English, rather than Interlac. Plus, he was looking forward to joining the Justice League. He knew from the history books that he would become a key member at some point in the "future".
But where should he start now? It only took him a few minutes to decide. He would meet up with Ralph Dibny, history said the two would become best friends. Now seemed like a good time to start...
Posted by Mattropolis on :
Cindy Reynolds was on the prowl. Her latest intel shows that Despero had recently been on Earth and she was determined to find him. She knew that Jonn would never approve of her actions but she couldnt help herself.
"That pink bastard killed my family. Just to get me."
And that was the heart of it, really. Even though Despero had been the one to kill her family, it was really her fault. If she had never been Gypsy, her family would never have been in danger. In a way, it was as much her fault as it was Despero's.
For the longest time, she had been too terrified to even think about revenge. Despero was, after all, immensely powerful. But nightmare after nightmare, she realized that the fear of Despero was worse than Despero himself. That's where he gets his power. If she wasn't afraid anymore, she could beat him. And if she could beat him, she could destroy him.
But not as Gypsy. As much as she wanted to, Cindy just didn't have the raw power that she would need.
That's when fate gave her the opportunity she had been looking for.
*** Previously
"where'd that fushia girl go?' Libby Lawrence said to herself.
"shhhhhhh..." A voice from nowhere. Great.
"Who's there?"
"My name is Gypsy. I used to be in the JLA." Libby watched as the girl became visible right outside her cell. "Give me a second, and I'll get you out of here."
"What is it with all these heroes I've never heard of?"
"I don't know what you mean. But if you hang on just a second more, I'll have you free."
And she did, soon Libby was walking alongside the half visible girl. "I get it, this is some kind of joke right? My daughter put you up to this?"
"This is no joke, ma'am. I don't know what is happening here. I received a signal that someone had broken into our old headquarters and I came her to investigate. I saw what happened to you, but camoflaged myself until I was in a position to help you."
"Do you think the other Justice Leaguers received the same signal? Why didn't they come too?"
"I-I don't know. I haven't talked to Jonn or any of the others in weeks. Well, this is the end of the tunnel, I suggest getting out of here as quickly as you can."
"As soon as I get home, I'm calling my daughter."
"Your daughter?"
"jesse Quick. We haven't been getting aloong very well lately."
"I think that's a good idea." With that, the ghost girl disappeared into the shadows.
Posted by Harbinger on :
Matt! Great to see you writing again, your stories have been greatly missed!
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
)