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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:09:38 GMT -5
Justice League: Renaissance #2
[/i] The Awakening, Chapter Two
Story and art by Jamie Rimmer
Edited by Jay McIntyre[/center] |
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:13:11 GMT -5
LONDON, ENGLAND
Rachael Roth stepped out of her home, walking slowly down the street she had known all of her life. The neighbours stood in the middle of the road, she shuddered and pulled her coat tighter. They were not running, not screaming as she would have expected. No, they were standing still, lifeless almost, all eyes piercing her own. They seemed to be confirming what she herself felt. Was she somehow responsible for the World suddenly going to hell? She headed back towards the familiarity of home, slowly at first, building into a quick sprint, as if desperate to reach the red door that she had so much hated, but had walked both into and out of, for every day of her seventeen year existence.
Just a few steps away, a sudden burst of lightning forked from out of the sky. Her House had disappeared. In its place stood something so terrifying any normal person may have plucked out their own eyeballs to save themselves the mercy of having to take another glance. For there, reaching 8 foot tall stood a beast the likes of which had not been seen in these lands for centuries, since the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round table had fled from our reality to the great beyond.
Scaled skin smoking, piercing, soulless black eyes looking for something, its body a mixture of twisted fairytale, and mythical armour looking like something out of a nightmare not even dreamt by the most twisted Master of Horror. It was scanning the street for something. Its mouth twisted into a tooth flashing grin, it had found what it looked for. It was here for her.
All the while a bird made of bottomless black flew above. Waiting.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:15:57 GMT -5
THE HALL OF FALLEN HEROES, HALL OF JUSTICE
“Looks as if you got your dream come true after all,” Roy spoke calmly, usual arrogant smirk in place, arms crossed, awaiting the return of the Black Canary.
“Welcome to the Justice League of America.” He said, gesturing with a faux-bow. Mocking.
Her scowl was gone in a second, ever collected. This was one of the many things that made her prime choice for leader of a team so powerful to be known as Earths greatest heroes. But that was then. She looked around the vast garden which held memorials to the fallen members of the League, it was far too crowded lately.
“How fitting that we meet here, amongst the statues of the dead.” She quipped, somewhat out of character for her. The strain of her And Roy’s earlier skirmish, coupled with the weight of the anniversary of the death of the world’s best, and less than an hour’s sleep in 48 hours. She righted herself and smiled inwardly, just like the old days.
“Jonn, Kyle, it is good to see you both. Is Wally...”
“He is currently en route to London, England in search of a girl.” Kyle Rayner stepped up from the background, breaking his silence. Dinah remembers thinking how different he looked. Older. Five years had been hard on all of them, but, he had lost most of all, his wife, Donna Troy, Wonder Woman. She had tried to stay in touch, but respected Kyle’s wishes to be left alone.
“Typical Wally, just like old times chasing half way round the world for a girl at a time like this!” smiled Roy. This raised a smirk from all, even Kyle’s eyes brightened for a moment remembering the old times, instantly replaced by down cast eyes, the burden of grief still laying heavily on his shoulders.
Jonn Jonnz, the Manhunter from Mars slinked out from the shadows he had made his home, enveloped in darkness. Dinah noticed he had returned to a shape more akin to that of his home Planet, forsaking his once humanoid appearance. She felt like an epic failure. She was supposed to be their leader, their friend. But in their time of greatest need, she had disbanded the League, something she regretted to this day.
“So, this girl...” asked the Canary, taking control of the situation.
“Her name is Rachael Roth, she is not older than 17 years. She is a fountain of untapped power, the likes of which I have not yet encountered in my time here on this Earth. She is also in grave danger. ...as are we all.” Remarked the Martian Manhunter, suddenly looking off into the distance. “He has arrived. The Demon is here.”
SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE SKREE
As if on cue the once forgotten but instantly recognisable alarm of the monitor room screamed, as the sky above darkened red. The world below grumbled, shifting, as if Gaia herself screamed in anguish. The once and future Justice League of America leapt into action, racing to the monitor room. Jonn phasing onwards and upwards, Kyle, flying through the maze of corridors and control rooms that is the Hall of Justice, Dinah and Roy enveloped in a bubble of green. All ill will at once forgotten, all that mattered here and now was the mission.
Dinah felt a thrill of excitement rush up her spine, As she and Roy hurtled towards their destination. The World around them had become a blur, all she could sense was the closeness of Him, bodies pressed close together, she could feel his breath on the nape of her neck. Losing herself in the moment, she turned around and looked at this man who stood before her. He was so similar to Ollie, her poor Ollie, and yet, so different. Something about this situation seemed so right. She forgot herself and gave in to her long suppressed urges, for that moment, her emotional walls flooded down around her, here in the private dome of energy, it was as if the Earth itself melted away, the world around them melted away, as they leaned in, so close to be able to feel the others breath, the world around them came back into focus, the green bubble of energy fading away. They had arrived. She pulled away physically, but with a lingering look.
“I...Roy...” she murmured, breathless.
.”I know, Go get em birdie.” he pulled himself together, grabbed his bow, and smiled down at her, already running down the corridor leading to the control room.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:17:46 GMT -5
LONDON, ENGLAND
Wally West, fastest man alive sped through the streets of London, a telepathic image fresh in his mind of a 17 year old girl. He didn’t know why, but he knew she was important, and he knew he must find her. Checking the city in this fashion could take days, weeks even for a normal person. He is far from normal. As he sped towards, and then past the address which Jonn had confirmed the girl had lived, he saw nothing, it was as if the house had never existed, gone was the Red Door, the Georgian architecture of a townhouse, even the neatly cropped privets ceased to exist.
“Jonn, the girl isn’t here.”Wally spoke gravely, as if to himself. He was in fact relaying a message to the telepathic Martian Manhunter half a world away.
“The girl is still alive, Flash, but I would proceed with utmost caution. She is still in your general vicinity. She may also be in trouble. There is something not quite right with the Earth today. Something is happening,” Stated the Martian, devoid of emotion, speeding through the floors of the Hall of Justice towards the Control room.
“Aww shucks big guy, didn’t know you cared! Flash out.” He broke the psychic connection, concentrating solely on his speed, the mental image of the vulnerable girl burning deep into his mind.
Wally West may well be the fastest man alive, impulsive and sometimes obnoxious. A grade A Superhero, but, when the world moves as if in slow motion, you tend not to focus on the minor details. If he had looked up at this precise moment, he would have seen the shape of a great black bird contrasting against the blood stained sky. As he sped towards the London Underground, he did not notice the shape of the great bird, the Raven, omen of death tracing his own steps towards his final destination. Hoping he was not too late, he sped forward, A Knight charging into battle.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:19:12 GMT -5
Rachael fled down the steps of the tube station, taking them two steps at a time, she was battered, breath run ragged. She knew she had to stop, but knew that in stopping she was signing her own death warrant.
“S!*&!,” She screamed, frustrated.
The tube station was empty, this was her last hope, thinking she could lose herself in the crowds, maybe buying her enough time to slip out of the City. The City of London had come to a standstill. When the world goes to hell, I guess nobody bothers about the normality of routine; she thought to herself, hiding behind a pillar on the far end of the platform, she recounted her breath, taking deep gulps of air.
She stopped suddenly, hearing the noise she had dreaded, the click-clacking of the metallic hooves of the Demon who had been following her growing closer. Rachael’s heart began to thud, every nerve in her body on edge, echoing the shrill noise of the great Beast descending the steps of the station.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:20:03 GMT -5
HALL OF JUSTICE, MONITOR ROOM
“Justice League of Amer*kzzzzt* Come.n...This...Animal Woman... I don’t know if you can hear any of *kzzt*Damn communicator ...be busted!! I was visiting with my family ...sky turned deep red...village...panic... A Demon came *kzzt* nowhere...Obia*kzzzzzt* girls! They have all disappeare...gone...Powers seem to be in*kzzt*fective against the creature............."
The transmission on the screen faded to white noise. Communication had been broken. The same seemed to be happening the world over.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:22:26 GMT -5
One screen showing the newly minted Aquaman, playing a game of cat and mouse, weaving in and out of the monstrous tentacles of the Kraken, mythical sea monster, the sorcerer hurled blast after blast of magic imbued energy towards the dreaded creature, to no avail. Always keeping himself between creature and his protectorate- fabled city of Atlantis.
Reports from across the Globe were flooding in, overloading the Leagues advanced technology. Kimiyo Hoshi off the coast of Japan battling the dreaded Oni; The Global Guardians, international taskforce stretched thin dealing with any number of monsters that shouldn’t exist. The stuff of fairytales. Mythical beings walked the Earth, as if the dark ages had come anew, the Sky had turned a deep red, the demon lord, Trigon was announcing his return. But why now? Why in this way? The Justice League of America, or what was left of them sat starring at the screen. Allowing events to sink in. One thing was sure. The World needed its heroes.
“The situation is dire. There is only so much we can do. Our resources are limited people. “ The Black canary, always taking charge, leaned across the table, briefing her troops.
“What do you suggest, A superhero recruitment drive? I didn’t bring my lemonade. Anybody bring cookies?” Roy sat back, arms folded across his chest, ever the gentleman.
“I have no interest in being here. I came feeling a sense of obligation to the past, and what we have all been through... i do not want to be part of an all new all different Justice league without...” Green Lantern's voice trailed off.
“Listen, Kyle, and this goes to every one of you. Jonn, Roy!-pay attention! I am so sick and tired of sitting around, twiddling my thumbs. The world could literally be going to hell right now for all we know, I have no time for this. Wallowing in self pity does nothing. Yes you were hurt. You lost somebody you cared for, somebody who was your whole life. I know a little of what that feels like...” she looked at Roy as she said this, Roy looking down uncomfortably.
“But we have a mission, an obligation in fact, to protect this world. How many people right now could be dying. How many people could we be helping, rather than sitting on our lazy behinds. Yes I may sound corny. But we are all the world has. If you want to quit, to toddle off back to Oa with your tail between your legs, you know I will not stop you. I have respected your wishes for the past five years, but the simple matter is, the League needs you, needs you all.”
The three men opposite looked at the Canary, all sharing a familiar glint in their eyes. They knew it was happening. This was it. The rebirth of the Justice League of America.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:23:34 GMT -5
THE LONDON UNDERGROUND
She closed her eyes, this was it, she thought. If this was how her life would end she wanted it to be on her own terms. Steeling herself, and using everything she had, she walked from behind the pillar, and stood with her back to it, looking straight on as the demon edged closer. It looked awkward down here, comical almost, starting its semi crawl towards her due to its towering stature.
Breathing in, she summoned her words of meditation.
“Azzarath...Metrion...Zinthos” Centering herself, channelling her very life force through the words that had become her own personal mantra. Over and over again she repeated, losing herself within.
The Demon was close enough now that she could smell the stench of its scorched flesh, still, she did not balk, repeating her mantra. The demon was closer still, when the girls eyes suddenly burst open,glowing white as if from within , her head lurched backwards, muscles spasming , back arched in agony.The demon drew its fowl scimitar bearing down upon the prone form of the girl.
Within Rachael’s head, where she sat cross legged on her bedroom floor. Candles lighting a circle of protection something strange happened. Of a sudden and as if from nowhere, a small, obsidian hewn bird landed upon her shoulder. It whispered promises of protection in cryptic verse, and asked her in its own cryptic way to accept a gift it would bestow. The gift however would come with a small price. It showed her what would happen if she did not accept. An apocalyptic vision of the world in which she lived, twisted metal and corpses were the floor on which the Demon Lord Trigon sat atop his throne. Rachael could stop it, stop it all, the bird had crooned, if only she would accept the power.
Tears tracked down Rachael Roth’s face, as she bid farewell to her old life. She acknowledged the boon, and accepted knowing this was as it should be. Swamped with a sudden centuries old knowledge, as the Raven grew, enveloping her body, cloaking her in deepest shadow.
The Morrigan awakes.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:24:49 GMT -5
The Flash arrived, and, seeing the demon’s blade coming down towards the girl, did the only thing he could think to do, he dove in front of the young innocent girl. Even to the end, the flash was one of the bravest and perhaps stupidest heroes alive. If he had really paid attention, really looked, he would have noticed. It was not the girl screaming her death knell, but the fowl monstrosity that writhed in pain. The girl, enveloped, cloaked in the shadow of the raven.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:25:29 GMT -5
The dust cleared and Rachael awoke from her trance, the disgusting monstrosity was gone, little more than a memory of dust on the floor. Instead, the shell of a man lay in tatters at her feet. Red costume in bits. She turned him over and saw the golden symbol on his chest, the strike of lightning. Instantly she knew who this was. The Flash had come to save her. He had died for her.
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:27:30 GMT -5
EPILOGUE I
...BZZZT...As quickly as it came, with the sky the world over returning to its usual hue. Gone the red skies which seemed to foretell the end of the world. Here in front of the White House an emergency press conference has been called by our president, John Henry Irons. With confirmed sightings of the Green lantern, and super-woman come vigilante The Black Canary, the atmosphere is a buzz, rumours of a possible new League abound. We are about to cut across to the press conference.
“My fellow Countrymen, I present to you the Black Canary.” A sudden hush descended upon the crowds of press the instant the President of the United States of America opened his mouth.
The Canary walked slowly, purposefully towards the speaking platform, taking time to scan the crowd.
“Thank you Mr President. It is both an honour and a privilege to stand on this platform before you today. It has been a long time, as you are all aware. It has been five years exactly since I stood up here and announced the dissolution of The Justice League of America.” She paused for emphasis.
“I feel as if i had failed, as a leader, as an ally, we were not there for the world for these past few years. Sure individually we were present, stopping crimes, with the occasional team up of the odd hero or another, but, the Justice League itself had lost its heart."
Roy did not miss the sly glance out of the corner of the Canaries eye, as he waited in the wings.
“Now, it is with great pleasure that I announce the formation of the institution that is the Justice League Unlimited, a New World Order.” She stepped back to reveal not only the familiar Green Lantern, The Red Arrow, and the Martian Manhunter, but also Kimiyo Hoshi-Warrior of Light, Garth- Aquaman of Atlantis, and Mari Jiwe Mccabe-The Animal Woman.
“No questions, please. We have a lot of work to catch up on.”
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:28:22 GMT -5
HAPPY OAKES RETIREMENT HOME, STAR CITY
A golden bearded man sits pulled up in front of the television, seemingly without focus, more shell than man really. His room is crowded with mementos, reminders of his former life, a wedding portrait takes pride of place on the mantle, dusty now.
His mouth forms into a sudden smirk, some semblance of life returns to his demeanour.
Two words, the first two words he has muttered in what must be years.
“Pretty bird...”
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:30:16 GMT -5
EPILOGUE II
Rachael Roth sat in the Tube station, darkness surrounding, amidst a pile of rubble and debris, cradling the limp body of the Flash, sobbing onto his shoulder a lifetime of grief. She sat there for what felt like hours, rocking back and forth, starring into those unseeing eyes. She had slipped almost instantly into her familiar trance, mumbling the words which had since gained an all new meaning. The whole while, inside her head, sitting cross legged on her bedroom floor once again, this time laying in front of her was the sleeping body of Wally West. Rachael had her hands placed onto his temples, pulsing her life into his, intertwining their pulses until they were one. her pupil-less eyes taking in everything but nothing at all.
In the real world, the girls eyes suddenly wrenched open, her world spinning she lurched to one side, vomiting the contents of her stomach until nothing remained but bile. Collecting herself she felt rather than heard a loud noise behind her, as if a dying animal let-out its final breath.
Startled she turned around to find that the Flash had sat up, looking around at her.
“Ah the fair maiden I presume. My name is the Flash. I am here to rescue you.” He smiled, collapsing almost instantly onto himself.
“I’m Rac...Raven. Looks to me as if you were a little late.” She offered to help the scarlet speedster to his feet.
“Well, aren’t you Dramatic, 'Raven'. Do me a favour and don’t tell anyone about this, I’ve got a rep to protect ya know!” He picked up the girl much to her protest.
“Put me down, where the h*ll are you taking me!?”
“Why, were off to see the Wizard, of course!”
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Post by arcalian on Oct 14, 2009 2:31:35 GMT -5
“I have done as you requested, 'my lord'. You have a host body through which you have access to the world above. Now it is time for you to keep your side of the bargain.” The deep voice of the woman shrouded all in black snarled from within her cell. A bird caged.
“My dear Morrigan, I did not become Lord of Hell, God of Lies for my ability to tell the truth now did I?” His voice boomed, chuckling maniacally.
She stared on refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response, at the helplessness of her situation, as Six red eyes penetrated her own two. She smirked inwardly. God of tricksters indeed. Little did he know that she had her own eyes upstairs.
It was only a matter of time...
TO BE CONTINUED...
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