DC Heroes

Home Sweet Home (open)

2011-05-25T00:02:08Z

Gotham wasn't a nice town or a pretty one, but it was home and dammit it felt good to be home. Helena was very glad to be back and to be back to work. It was a little difficult explaining why she was gone, but it went reasonably well. She had also missed her own bed. A lot.

Most of all she missed being Huntress. The first night back she was in costume and out patrolling. It felt good to be doing something good again and to put Khandaq behind her. What the hell was she thinking sleeping with Adam? Getting married was keeping her word, which was very important to Helena, but sleeping with him was something else entirely. She really needed to get over this thing she had for the wrong type of guy. It got her in trouble more often than not.

It was the end of a patrol and Helena returned to her apartment. A drink, maybe a little reading and then bed.

An Unexpected Visit

2011-05-09T05:00:26Z

Several days after the incident in Khandaq, Batman breaks into Zatanna's home at Shadowcrest. If the wards were as good as he remembered, she would be aware of his presence the moment he entered the premises.

This is exactly what he wants.

He's waiting in the library, looking among the books, as he waits for Zatanna to arrive. He remembers the last time he was here.

It hadn't gone well /then/, either.

A new beginning.

2011-04-17T03:02:27Z

After ending things with Clark, Lois found herself uncomfortable at the Daily Planet. It was strange to her; she'd always been able to do anything she wanted without much concern for the personal politics for things but after having been with Clark and having worked so closely with him--and not just at the newspaper--being there was both awkward and painful. A few weeks after the breakup, Lois started putting out her application elsewhere and it wasn't long until she landed what appeared to be one hell of a job: PR executive for LexCorp.

A month in she found that she really enjoyed it. It was a busy change of pace and she felt challenged. And in usual Lois style, she was putting in long hours. This was another long night in her office, handling the smaller details of a press release. Someone else could have done it, but Lois was a perfectionist. She'd do it herself.

You can't go home again.

2011-04-17T02:43:13Z

Though Diana lived full-time in Man's World and had for some years it was not uncommon for her to be summoned home. There were various reasons why she might find her presence requested--a festival, a holiday, the general health and welfare check her mother was insistent upon. This time Diana was being summoned to celebrate a birth and she was looking forward to this trip home, though the idea of leaving her duties...and Bruce...was unpleasant. Still, she took care of loose ends and headed home, leaving Diana Prince behind by the time she arrived on home shores.

It was good to be back. Diana went to find her mother.

Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something New, and Something Blue

2011-04-16T23:41:41Z

Every little girl dreamed of their wedding day, but Helena Bertinelli never thought hers would have ended up like this. Sure the dress was beautiful and everything was perfect and right out of a fairy tale, but Helena hadn’t really cared. She had barely payed attention during most of the ceremony until the end when they were pronounced man and wife.

Adan jussed her and the two turned to face the assembled crowd. She forced a smile and waved. Adam escorted her to the great banquet hall where the reception was to take place. A few more hours of forcing herself to smile and then she would have to worry about the wedding night.

Intervention! (Helena)

2011-04-08T00:51:24Z

Helena was going to be cooking him dinner for a month after this.

He punched out the fourth Khandaqi guard he came across, dropping him in a single blow. Roy was being careful not to kill anyone, because that would start an international incident, and America could ill afford that. Of course, rescuing Helena from a psychotic dictator would achieve the same thing, but it was a matter of principle. He just hoped Adam hadn't decided to take any liberties with Helena during her incarceration.

He'd arrived three days ago in Qurac, and quietly set about procuring ground transportation (a camel) and provisions to make the trip across the desert. The advantages of living with a Native American medicine man paid dividends as Roy made his way across the terrain over the next couple of days, moving a bit slower than he wanted in order to avoid patrols. The last thing he needed was to be caught inside the Khandaq border; of course, that might also mean he got the cell next to Helena's.

But if he got locked up, there was no way to get them out.

Finally, inside the the palace, Roy kept to the shadows, sneaking room to room, hoping to find Helena's.

Unfortunately, he thought he heard someone coming around a corner and ducked into the first room with an unlocked door that he found.

Closing the door quietly, he noted that this room was warmer than most, but that wouldn't matter. He just hoped he hadn't walked into Black Adam's sauna.

He turned around.

Calling in the calvary

2011-03-29T05:18:41Z

To say that leaving Helena by herself in Khandaq at the hands of Black Adam unsettled Barbara was a bit of an understatement. She hadn't stopped worrying about her teammate and friend since she had left with the rest of the Birds.

She didn't trust Black Adam. The fact that he just wanted Helena, and not the rest of them struck several nerves, and she wasn't just going to let Helena be stuck there at the mercy of someone that they didn't know all that much about.

The second she got back to Gotham, Barbara wheeled her way into her control room and fired up all her systems.

She could call the JLA, or Batman, even. But right now, she'd call someone that Helena trusted.

In a matter of minutes, Barbara got a secure comm line out to a certain hero in Star City.

"Arsenal, this is Oracle. Do you copy?"

A Guilded Cage

2011-03-28T00:09:56Z

The first day had been spent wandering outside around the grounds of the palace. Helena had a hard time sitting still and being confined to a certain area had made it harder. Dinner had been tense, but Helena had been polite and on her best behavior. She had even put a filter between her brain and mouth to not offend her host.

The second day she spent wandering inside the palace. She had to admit that it was very beautiful. She could almost imagine herself as a princess and living in a place like this. Though as beautiful as it was, it was still a cage. A week could be a very long time.

Helena walked slowly down a long hallway and looked at the masterpieces that adorned the walls.

Reestablishing Communications (open)

2011-02-25T04:08:58Z

Arthur was quite pleased the new tech that integrated Atlantean technology and surface technology was working. The citizens of Sub Diego were now able to keep in touch with the surface. It went a long way in bringing the underwater residents back to civilization. They were now able to keep in touch with the people on the surface they had left behind when the city sank beneath the waves.

Arthur had made himself available as much as he could to teach them how to use it and to help with any problems. There was enough Atlantean tech in it to make it seem strange and confusing to the citizens of Sub Diego. Arthur would help them as much as possible.

He was in his office and had some needed downtime.

Valentine Vignettes

2011-02-14T23:52:41Z

I arise from dreams of thee
In the first sweet sleep of night,
When the winds are breathing low,
And the stars are shining bright.
I arise from dreams of thee,
And a spirit in my feet
Hath led me -- who knows how?
To thy chamber window, Sweet!

The wandering airs they faint
On the dark, the silent stream--
And the Champak's odours
Like sweet thoughts in a dream;
The nightingale's complaint,
It dies upon her heart,
As I must on thine,
O belovèd as thou art!

O lift me from the grass!
I die! I faint! I fail!
Let thy love in kisses rain
On my lips and eyelids pale.
My cheek is cold and white, alas!
My heart beats loud and fast:
O press it to thine own again,
Where it will break at last!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Welcome to Khandaq

2011-02-12T03:43:51Z

"A vacation would do you some good," Babs said. Helena was still wondering why she went along with this. She didn't need a vacation. What she needed was to be out on the streets of Gotham kicking some bad guy ass. That was the best therapy and stress relief one could ask for.

As it was they were on a plane on their way from India to Egypt. They had spent four days in India and had seen the Taj Mahal and were now on their way to Cairo to spend a few days in Egypt to see the pyramids. Granted Helena did enjoying seeing the Taj Mahal, she still didn't think she needed a vacation.

She sat on the plane and looked out the window to watch the clouds go by.

dc_heroes @ 2011-02-03T00:56:00

2011-02-03T07:56:25Z

The Kent Farm never looked so inviting to Clark.

He had occupied himself lately by devoting more time than ever to his heroism. It had been a week since he had slept. It seemed like every time he stopped he saw Lois' face, the way she had looked before he flew away. The sadness in her eyes.

There's only one thing to be done when a man's world seems to be falling apart. Come home. Johnathan had sounded wise as ever on the phone, and Clark had decided he had the right of it.

He had spent yesterday helping his father with work, mending broken equipment and making sure the fields were in good repair. He had tried sleeping in his old room but he found he couldn't, so instead Clark went and sat out on the porch to watch the sunrise. He made himself a dark coffee, like Johnathan usually drank, and watched orange-pink light as it came up over the horizon...

Dogsitting (Clark)

2011-01-12T07:34:35Z

Lois still had Krypto.

She'd taken him when she left the JLA party and had kept him since. He seemed a happier dog, honestly, getting his ears scritched and his tummy rubbed. She'd gotten him some dog treats as well and was strongly considering buying him a dog bed, though she'd gotten used to him curling up in hers. It made things less empty somehow and while Clark's absence was still sharp, she wasn't so entirely alone.

She did, however, wonder when the man himself would finally show up and what excuse for ignoring her he had this time. Lois winced as that thought crossed her mind. She was angry, but even she had a hard time hating Superman.

Especially because she was in love with him.

New Year's Resolutions (Teen Titans)

2010-12-31T16:16:01Z

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
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+

Anonymous entries accepted.

New Year's Resolutions (JSA)

2010-12-31T16:15:39Z

New Year's Resolutions (JLA)

2010-12-31T16:14:56Z

New Year's Resolutions (Independents)

2010-12-31T16:14:27Z

New Year's Resolutions (Birds of Prey)

2010-12-31T16:14:05Z

Christmas is a time for family.

2010-12-27T02:25:19Z

Their holidays were not hers, but Mera had been in Arthur's world long enough to appreciate the thought behind the winter festivals. She sent Arthur a gift, a perfect white pearl as large as his thumb, with a golden sheen when warmed and held to the light. It was a simple, beautiful treasure from the heart of his kingdom.

Two jets a-landin' and a lantern in a pear tree....

2010-12-26T07:10:11Z

Carol threw a Christmas party for Ferris Air in one of the hangers. She had a lot to celebrate this year. Hal's family and her business partner were invited to make an appearance if they had the time and inclination. Santa distributed the employee bonuses. Each and every employee made a difference to the health of Ferris Air's bottom line, and she believed in showing her appreciation.

Extra! Extra!

2010-12-26T05:04:51Z

SUB DIEGO – The citizens of Sub Diego have elected their first mayor. There were two candidates on the ballot, but the winner from a successful write-in campaign is Arthur Curry. The world knows him as Aquaman. Mr. Curry was unavailable for comment and refused to be interviewed. What does this mean for the future of relations between the United States and the sovereign kingdom of Atlantis now that a former Atlantean king is now the mayor of Sub Diego. Is this the start of an effort by Atlantis to annex the sunken city? CONT PAGE 2A

Christmas at the Watchtower

2010-12-24T08:38:40Z

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

dc_heroes @ 2010-12-16T00:48:00

2010-12-16T08:39:05Z

A cold night wind whipped through the wind-tunnel of Gotham's streets, threatening to tear Nightwing from his perch between two gargoyles. His practised gymnast's grip on the ledge below held him firm, fingers hard and calloused by years of training, his forearms knotted like thick ropes on some ancient sailing ship.

Below him stretched West Brewery Street- a favourite haunt of his during days as Robin. The neighbourhood had been dangerous and seedy, which seemed a requirement for any part of Gotham, but underneath Dick had found a neighbourhood with wonderful characters, friendships, and sense of community. It had become a kind of haven for the wayward, the strange, the weird, and the broken denizens of Gotham's underworld. The people of West Brewery Street had not been saints- more than a few were murderers and worse- but they found a certain stoic pride in their home, and did what they could to contribute to it. Many of Dick's preconceptions about street life had been turned on their head, and his concept of right and wrong had been blurred. The street kids and hookers, the bottom-rung dealers and homeless veterans, the mentally ill and scarred products of abusive homes; they all called the West Brewery home, and they had all taught the young Boy Wonder lessons he would never forget.

Now West Brewery was unrecognizable- gentrified in the years since Dick had left. Its streets once dank and clogged with broken syringes and human detritus, were now brightly lit boulevards around massive condo buildings, patrolled by private security companies rather than police. The young and wealthy now called the area home. The streets were clogged with coffee houses and tapas bars, sushi restaurants, nightclubs and social clubs and health clubs.

It was an outcome that Batman had foreseen in his projections for the future of his city. Not a goal, but a foreseeable outcome of his work.

So now we can stamp this part of the map and say "Mission Accomplished!" and move on he thought bitterly. He wondered what had happened to the people who had lived here. He doubted any of them lived in these condominiums or worked at the high-priced bars and restaurants lining the street. We've just forced them back into another part of town. And then we'll take that back and they'll have to move again. Until we force them into the smallest corner possible, where there won't be anywhere to hide from monsters like the Falconis or Black Mask or Penguin. And while they kill each other over the scraps we've left them, we'll pat ourselves on the back and say how proud we are.

Dick had gradually become aware that his internal voice was beginning to sound more like Bruce all the time- at least in tone, if not in content. It had been one of their points of contention- Bruce continuing to see it as a war, a "never-ending-battle", while Dick would have rather spent his time trying the help the people on the bottom who were merely cannon fodder for the Police Chiefs and Politicians and Crime Families, as they fought their perpetual turf wars.

The car Dick had been waiting for turned the corner and started down West Brewery Street. Dick was pleased, but the nature of the night's work didn't allow him to smile. The black SUV made its way through traffic, and Dick pressed his micro-binoculars to his eyes. Standard plates, no official markings- but windows tinted a shade so dark only government cars could get away with. Its the little things. Dick thought, as he leaped into the gaping emptiness of an alleyway. He let himself fall for four stories, before he angled into a fire escape, catching a steel ladder at it's last rung and flipping into a graceful dive. He danced his way across the girders and drain pipes, a creature entirely in his element.

Nightwing's pace matched the car below as it drove toward the tallest of the buildings, a golden monument to excess. His movements were aggressive to the point of folly. A select few flirted with danger, but Dick Grayson made her his lover.

His athleticism was unmatched. His judgement was not. He was the prodigal son. And he had returned.

Who Are You?

2010-12-11T00:48:13Z

The identity of the individual known as Oracle was something that had been eating at Calculator for some time now. He /had/ to know who Oracle was.

He had tried in the past to find the identity of Oracle, but each time he had been unsuccessful. There had been a few times when he had been close, but he had failed each time. He wasn't going to fail this time and he /would/ discover Oracle's identity.

His past attempts had been analyzed and he realized that his approached needed to change. Going directly after Oracle had failed, now it was time to go after her through the people around her. Calculator knew Oracle worked with some female crime fighters in Gotham and they would be her undoing.

He placed a call. He knew just whom to call.

Calling Upon a Friend

2010-11-28T02:42:02Z

By the time the Justice League had first formed, J'onn had been on Earth nearly forty years. During that time he had, by and large, operated in secret, invisibly, in-between operating in his human identities. He had, briefly, assumed the identity of the Bronze Wraith and allied himself with the Justice Experience, before the untimely deaths of the others in that group. But by and large, though he had been on Earth for a long time, the world of humans had still been strange and alien to him.

It had taken the accidental exposure of his presence on Earth to start truly bringing him into the light. The formation of the League, who had become his surrogate family, had been exactly what he had needed.

He had made friends in those days. Barry Allen, drawn from their mutual work as policemen. Hal Jordan, out of his respect for Alan Scott and Abin Sur.

And, of course, Arthur. They had been the outsiders, the both of them, in those days. J'onn, still seeking to understand humans, Arthur unused to the ways and demands of the surface world. It had forged a friendship that, though strained at times, had endured throughout the long years. When Arthur had lost his son, none had known his pain more than he. When the League had all but disbanded, it had been J'onn, along with Zatanna and Ralph, who had stood with Arthur to forge it anew.

It was why Arthur, not unlike Bruce, continued to worry him. Neither of his friends was the man J'onn had once known. They were darker, harsher, quicker to judge and quicker to meet out harshness. What had happened to the smiling Sea King who had happily called upon his "finny friends" in the cause of justice? Had life truly worn his friend down so much?

Seeing the others again, reforming the League, had reminded J'onn of all of this. It was for this reason, along with a humanitarian interest in seeing his old friend's new protectorate, the lead J'onn to plunge into the icy waters of the Pacific Ocean, gills growing in the sides of his neck as he shifted his physiology.

He had called ahead, of course.