Hello CBMers!!!
For the uninitiated, Watchtower Tales is a fan fic serial about a group of Justice Leaguers I refer to as the Second Shift. The team consists of Zatanna, Hawkman, Atom, and Black Lightning. Each story often featuring another character joining the group for some general hijinks. Lately the group has put into motion a series of events creating a more detailed narrative now. The team is currently traveling through time in order to stop an evil plot that could see a group of villains building a super weapon with artifacts from throughout history.
In Atlantis, Aquaman stands before a large silver spherical object. The Atom, in shrunken size, leaps from the object's surface; enlarging in mid air and returning to regular size to stand beside Aquaman. Atom is wearing a special small apparatus giving him the ability to breath under the ocean and within the walls of Atlantis.
ATOM:
"What're we going to do? This thing is going to explode!"
AQUAMAN:
"To begin...remain calm. How long do we have?"
Places a finger to his temple.
ATOM:
"M-m-m-minutes. No more. What're you doing?"
AQUAMAN:
"I'm communicating to some nearby large fish to get me some sea weed, a long strand of sea weed."
ATOM:
"Really? You guys have legalized it? Didn't think Atlantis was so liberal."
AQUAMAN:
"Now is certainly not the time for jokes Ray."
ATOM:
"Sorry. Old habits. It's just what we do, second shift and all. So, what's the plan?"
AQUAMAN:
"I'm going to tie a line around the bomb, and then swim it as fast as I can to the surface. As far away from Atlantis as I can get it."
Two fish enter the area with a long strand of sea weed. Atom begins to tie one end around the bomb, as Aquaman ties the other end around his waist.
ATOM:
"Great. I'm going with you. Don't even try to argue with me."
Jumps into the air and begins to quickly shrink in size. He lands atop Aquaman's right shoulder in his shrunken size. "Alright buddy. Now it's time for you to do what you do best and swim. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming."
Snaps fingers. "Which reminds me!"
AQUAMAN:
Tightens the knot around his waist and begins to swim upward at a slight angle; the silver bomb being towed a few feet behind. "What does it remind you of?"
ATOM:
"The other day, while rearranging my office, I found a copy of 'Finding Nemo' I had rented from Blockbusters years ago. Then that whole Hypertime stuff went down, I forgot about it. I'm sure Blockbusters should understand, right? Yeah, they should be cool with it."
Aquaman comes within a few feet of the ocean's surface, he unties the sea weed wrapped around his waist. He begins to start spinning, putting the bomb into a hammer throw motion. He releases the sea weed line and the bomb flies out of the ocean, but within seconds after breaking the surface, the bomb explodes. Rather than explode, the bomb makes an incredibly loud BOOM sound. A pull, or suction begins in the place of the bomb. Water and nearby sea creatures start to get pulled into an abyss in the air, at the spot of the bomb's detonation. Aquaman starts to feel the pull, despite his exhaustion from bringing the bomb to the surface, he swims down. He struggles against the pull, but applies all his energy and continues to swim down; only moving mere inches. The suction suddenly comes to a stop and Aquaman bullets down fast, crashing into the sea floor. The Atom rolls off and returns to his regular size. The two look at each other.
ATOM:
"Ok. I'm just going to say it. That...that sucked."
Atom and Aquaman glance at each other a few more seconds, then abruptly break out into a loud laughter.
In nineteenth century London, Zatanna, John Constantine, and Hawkman come upon a pub that is drawing a large crowd of people. Due to a spell by John Constantine, the trio appears to be just alike to fellow nineteenth century Londoners in appearance. The Nag's Head. The trio makes their way through the crowd and toward the pub's entrance. Inside there appears to be a chaotic scene, as there is broken furniture and several bodies lying on the ground. Constantine pokes his elbow into a nearby patron.
CONSTANTINE:
"Oi, mate. What happened here? Who's that?"
Points to a man lying unconscious on the floor.
PATRON:
"Tis Dickens. That monster knocked the...the...well, the damn Dickens out of him."
HAWKMAN:
Snorting laugh. "Always wondered where that phrase came from. Ha. So, this monster? What's he like? Where'd he go?"
PATRON:
"A...a...demon! With a contraption in place of his mouth. He was looking for someone. A Jack Barker, in the White chapel area. Stafford street. I most certainly would not want to run across this demon a second time. He has a fierce punch and a lovely speaking voice."
HAWKMAN:
"One more quick question partner. Would you watch a show...erm...I mean, play. Yeah, play. You got plays, right? Hell, I bet Shakespeare is running around here somewhere falling in love. Nevermind that. Would you watch a play about a hero who was part man, part hawk?"
PATRON:
Appears immensely confused. "Blimey mate, are you bloody mental? As well, Shakespeare died hundreds of years ago."
ZATANNA:
Sighs loudly. "Lets go!"
The three heroes walk into a thick fog, making their way down Stafford street. They come to an entrance to a townhouse, with a small set of stairs leading to the door. The door opens, and Bane steps out holding a cane that has a crystal-like circular end.
BANE:
Holds his hands into the air. "Ahh!!! Great to see you could make it! Perhaps! I was due for some fun."
Grabs the crystal end of the cane and removes it. "So...this is it! What we require. A powerfully enchanted object. Jack Barker used it to kill some people as Jack the Ripper. How'd I get it? He gave it to me, spoiler alert! Jack the Ripper was Vandal Savage. Ha. I still punched him in the ribs, if only to see if he recalls the broken ribs in the future. Time travel doesn't always have to be so boring."
Starts to slowly descend the stairs, while carefully removing his coat. As he reaches the end of the stairs, he gently folds his coat and sets it upon a nearby stoop. "Now. You have my permission to have your asses beaten to oblivion."
CONSTANTINE:
"You crazy bastard. You do realize Zatanna is with us? Yeah, mate?"
Bane appears to press the crystal from the cane, as he does he turns invisible. As soon as Zatanna tries to open her mouth, it looks as if an invisible hand is placed over it. A gelatin-like substance remains in place over Zatanna's mouth, and with a thudding sound, Zatanna falls to the floor. Only Bane's voice can then be heard.
BANE:
"That was a gift from Poison Ivy. That jelly stuff. Should keep Zatanna from talking for awhile. Plus...so to did that punch. My friend John, you appear stressed. I think you could use a back realignment."
Constantine is suddenly lifted into the air, and swiftly brought down over Bane's unseen knee. There is a loud crack sound as Constantine cries out before going unconscious. Hawkman starts to swing wildly into the air in all directions. The loud noise of Bane's fist slamming into Hawkman's helmet can be heard. Hawkman falls to the ground, and as he tries to get back up, his head is repeatedly beaten by Bane. Hawkman goes unconscious as Bane rapidly punches into one side of Hawkman's helmet, even flattening that side's wing molding of the helmet. Bane removes a small cubed object from his belt and throws it toward the ground nearby. A deafening BOOM sounds as a bright portal forms in place of the cube. Bane then throws each of the unconscious heroes into the portal. He then goes to the stoop and slowly puts on his coat.
BANE:
"That went quite well. Perhaps! I'm actually going to miss this foggy London city."
Bane removes another small cubed object from his belt, which opens another portal. He then grabs the lapels of his coat and walks into the portal.
In ancient Egypt, Teth Adam carrying Cheetah lands at the entrance to a massive temple with several large pillars.
TETH ADAM:
"This is the Pharaoh's palace goddess."
CHEETAH:
"Hehe. Goddess...love it. You're right, I am a goddess. Who else could pull off this feline inspired villainy. Screw Catwoman! More like Scatwoman! Huh? Am I right? I bet this stupid translator messed that all up."
Teth Adam stares at Cheetah with utter confusion.
CHEETAH:
"My, you're adorable. Can't wait to show you my pyramids. Huh? Nothing? Ok. Well, what're we waiting for...go get your goddess the pharaoh's staff."
Teth Adam flies into the air to the temple's main, large throne room. Cheetah walks quickly behind. The Pharaoh and three guards stand by, the Pharaoh's staff rest against the throne itself. It is a brilliant gold topped with a beautifully shining red ruby.
PHARAOH:
"Ah! Teth Adam! My friend! What brings you to the palace?"
TETH ADAM:
Bows head. "My pharaoh. I have been sent by the goddess Bast to retrieve the holy staff. You have offended the gods. I am sorry."
Teth Adam moves with lightning speed, and quickly incapacitates the three guards. The Pharaoh flees from the throne, screaming for help. His screams are outdone by a loud BOOM, as a portal appears in the throne room. Two figures can be seen entering, their voices can be heard.
SHAZAM:
"I'm just saying...a lot of people crap on it, but the more recent 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' flick was pretty good. It had some great moments."
BLACK LIGHTNING:
"I weep for your generation. Truly weep, man."
Black Lightning and Shazam enter the throne area and quickly notice Teth Adam floating nearby the Pharaoh's throne and staff.
BLACK LIGHTNING:
"Oh hell man. Don't tell me that's who I think it is."
SHAZAM:
"Yup. But you know, they say he was much nicer back in this age. Like a guardian angel."
TETH ADAM:
Points at Black Lightning and Shazam. "What sorcery does this be? The goddess said there might be those who would try to stop us! I must destroy those who would interfere!!"
SHAZAM:
"Looks like "they" were wrong. Man he looks angry. To bad I didn't understand a word he said."
BLACK LIGHTNING:
"I know, damn. We forgot the translators. Well, guess we going to have to use the timeless language of fists. Lets do this!"
Shazam dashes into the air right at the levitating Teth Adam, and he delivers a fierce haymaker to Adam 's face. The blow knocks Teth Adam back and he rubs his jaw.
TETH ADAM:
"You must be empowered by the gods as well. As I have never been hit that hard."
Teth Adam slices through the air at Shazam, tackling him out of the air. On the ground,Teth Adam is kneeled atop Shazam, and he holds both his fists as one above his head; and then he brings them down smashing Shazam's face. Black Lightning quickly runs over and swings Hawkman's mace, which he has charged with electricity, at Teth Adam. Teth Adam is knocked a few feet back with a loud crackling sounds and a bright explosions of sparks. As the three continue to fight, they fail to notice Cheetah grabbing the staff. Cheetah removes the ruby from the top.
CHEETAH:
"Sorry fellas. As fun as this is to watch. Like seeing Wrestlemania BC. Ha, what would that be, like Wrestlemania negative twenty two. But I really must take off."
Cheetah bows as she removes a small silver cube object from her belt. She throws it to the ground and there a portal opens, Cheetah walks into the portal.
BLACK LIGHTNING:
"Damn! She got the mystical thingy. Damn!"
SHAZAM:
"I know. Who would've guessed that though...Cheetah watches wrestling. Hmm..."
The two then jump at Teth Adam together, Black Lightning holding the mace with both hands and Shazam with his fist cocked way back. They simultaneously hit Teth Adam directly in the face, the blow launches Adam back staggering.
BLACK LIGHTNING:
"Man! Screw this! Lets get back to the Watchtower. We got to regroup."
Black Lightning pulls out a device and uses it, creating a portal before Shazam and himself. The two walk into the portal.
In ancient Japan, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle quietly approach the temple of the Blue Samurai. They get close to a window like opening and peer inside. Inside they see the Blue Samurai practicing with his katana. Nearby, Black Manta sits sharpening his blades. The two are shocked to see John Constantine, Zatanna, and Hawkman restrained by chains to the wall. The three are unconscious.
BLUE BEETLE:
"This...this is not good. How'd they get Zee and them? Nope. Not good at all."
BOOSTER GOLD:
"You're right bromate. Almost as bad as having a pencil sharpener shoved..."
BLUE BEETLE:
Waves his hand at Booster Gold. "Shh! Shh! Listen."
BLACK MANTA:
"Cheetah ought to be bringing us two more to hang with these guys. Then the two dorks will be here. The trap complete. And then...a lot of heroes will die."
BLUE BEETLE:
"Did you hear that?"
BOOSTER GOLD:
"Yeah! Who the hell is he, calling us dorks!"
BLUE BEETLE:
"No! You fool. The part about this whole thing being a trap. They knew..."
Blue Beetle is interrupted by a loud BOOM, as a portal opens nearby and two figures walk through. Blue Beetle and Booster Gold stare at the pair with a slightly shocked appearance.
Back inside the secret headquarters of the evil Turmoil team, the shadowed figure still sits in the chair facing the computer as he browses the internet. Bane sits in a chair in the corner of the room. Vandal Savage stands fiercely by the table with the circular artifact atop of it. The crystal that Bane retrieved from nineteenth century London is attached to it. Cheetah walks into the room carrying the bright red ruby.
VANDAL SAVAGE:
"Yes! You have done it! Give it here. Lets make this super weapon, to give us an army."
SHADOWED FIGURED:
Laughs loudly. Hahaha. Buzzfeed says, I'm the Zack Morris of our crew."
BANE:
"Perhaps! But I'm still confused as to why you wanted to be a part of this."
The figure slowly turns the chair around to reveal Joker!
JOKER:
"I know, right? Maybe I suffer FOMO."
CHEETAH:
"Fomo?"
JOKER:
"Yeah. Fear of missing out. Hahahaha!!!"
Thank you so much for the read!!! I might be taking a break from these for a little while, so I thought I'd try something a little different. Thanks again!!