Chereads / DC: Sunspot / Chapter 20 - 20

Chapter 20 - 20

[Metrópolis: 01/09/2010]

08:08AM

"The city of tomorrow, a historic landmark as it was the largest city in the United States, whether in population, economic development, or scientific progress, its size was only matched by its sister city Gotham.

Everything was calm; people walked through the city without many worries."

*CRACK , CRACK!!*

The calm lasted until a massive plant tore through the street's soil, emerging above some surrounding buildings. As if it had a life of its own, the plant's roots began attacking people. The roots snaked rapidly through the streets, shattering sidewalks and capturing cars and pedestrians. People ran in panic, screaming for help, while the roots crushed everything in their path. Thick, thorny branches whipped through the air, smashing windows and toppling street lamps.

In the midst of the chaos, a child trapped in a car screamed as a monstrous root wrapped around the vehicle, lifting it off the ground. In that instant, a blur of blue and red streaked across the sky.

"It's going to be alright," he said, smiling at the frightened child.

Superman arrived in the blink of an eye, his eyes glowing with determination. With superhuman strength, he tore the root enveloping the car, freeing the terrified child and handing her safely to a nearby police officer.

While Superman dealt with the roots that continued to emerge, a shadow passed over him. Hawkwoman and Hawkman descended from the sky, their majestic wings slicing through the air. Hawkwoman, wielding her traditional mace, began to destroy the thinner roots with precise and powerful blows. Hawkman, using his Nth Metal mace, delivered devastating strikes to the plant's sturdier parts, which writhed and recoiled with each impact.

"Now, Hawkwoman!" he shouted.

With a battle cry, Hawkwoman flew to where the roots were most exposed, delivering a final blow with her mace, destroying the plant's central structure. Hawkman attacked simultaneously, reinforcing the final blow.

The monstrous plant let out a final roar before wilting and collapsing, its roots releasing the people and objects it had captured. The city, still trembling from the impact of the attack, began to regain its calm as the heroes soared amidst the debris, ensuring everyone was safe.

Cat Grant, a renowned journalist from Metropolis, stood in front of the CatCo Worldwide Media cameras, ready to report on the catastrophic events that had shaken the city.

"Good afternoon, Metropolis. This is Cat Grant with an urgent report. Our city was attacked by a monstrous plant that emerged from the ground, causing destruction and panic. Thanks to the swift intervention of Superman, Hawkwoman, and Hawkman, the threat has been neutralized, and people are safe. Authorities are working tirelessly to restore order and repair damages."

As she spoke, images of the attack flashed on the screen: giant roots tearing up asphalt, buildings being struck, and heroes bravely fighting the threat.

Suddenly, the phone next to Cat rang. She frowned but answered quickly, maintaining her composure. After a few moments of listening, her expression grew even more serious.

"We've received late-breaking information," Cat continued, now with an urgent tone. "Similar attacks are occurring in other major cities around the world. Gotham, Moscow, and Beijing are among those affected. And here in the United States, besides Metropolis and Gotham, several other cities are also facing similar situations."

She paused, looking directly at the camera, her voice firm yet filled with concern.

"We urge everyone to stay safe and follow instructions from local authorities. We will continue to provide updates as we receive more information. Stay strong, Metropolis, and the world. Together, we will overcome this crisis."

-----------------------------

The transmission abruptly changed to a dark recording, displayed on screens around the world. The video showed a man with a commanding presence and piercing eyes, standing in an unidentified location but exuding palpable danger.

"Greetings, citizens of the world," began Count Vertigo, his voice cold and dripping with malice. "I am Count Vertigo, speaking on behalf of the Injustice League. We are responsible for the attacks you witnessed today in Metropolis, Gotham, Moscow, Beijing, and other cities around the globe."

He paused, letting his words sink in with intended impact.

"These attacks are just the beginning. Our monstrous plants will continue to emerge, causing destruction and chaos unless our demands are met. We want ten billion US dollars delivered to us within 24 hours. Fail to comply, and the devastation you've seen will be just a taste of what's to come."

The camera pulled back, revealing the other members of the Injustice League standing alongside Count Vertigo. Each wore a menacing expression, clearly poised for action.

He stepped aside, now the other members of his group visible.

"Poison Ivy, Ultra-Humanite, Felix Fausto, Atomic Skull, the Count Vertigo himself, Major Force, and lastly..."

"And don't keep us waiting, he... heHAHAHAH!" The Joker, the homicidal clown, said, looking directly at the population through the camera.

kshhh...

And then the transmission was cut.

----------------------------

[Base of Operations I.M.A]

17:01PM

"Indeed, the situation is quite complicated, isn't it?" Roberto da Costa, now globally known as the hero Sunspot, said to some of the representatives from Brazil's allied countries.

"Indeed, Mr. Costa, but if possible, we would like it resolved quickly," the Chinese representative said seriously.

Sunspot nodded, looking around at the serious faces around him. "Understood. We'll work on it."

Recently, he had formed a small team of heroes from different countries, an initiative to more effectively combat global threats. Now, he planned to lead this team to confront the Injustice League directly.

Sunspot smiled faintly, confident. "We have our own way to deal with this."

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[Bayo Bartolomeu]

07:09PM

Certainly! Here's the translation of your text into English:

"Well, well, look what the wind blew in," Count Vertigo said with a smile.

"Indeed," Felix Fausto agreed.

The two were airborne, with Major Force holding Vertigo, while Felix flew carrying the young heroes Aqualad, Superboy, Kid Flash, and Artemis in a cage made of magic.

"Are you sure this cage will keep them imprisoned?" Vertigo asked.

"Don't worry, my noble friend. Not even Superboy can break this cage," Fausto replied, smiling.

"You are not the only magic user, Fausto," Aqualad responded, gripping the bars with his blue-glowing tattoos, but failing to break the spell.

"Please, Atlantean, don't think you're on my level," Fausto said arrogantly.

Almost their entire team was captured; Robin and Miss Martian were sneaking through the swamp but were discovered by Poison Ivy and Ultra Humanite.

It seemed all was lost, but then...

"ROOOOAAAAARRRR!!" The sky trembled with a roar.