*The Black Dragon Pub, Outside Gotham*

[doctorfatejsa]

*Hector Hall did not know the Black Dragon's history the last time he visited here, but he's learned some since. The pub was opened in the latter part of the 1700s by a sorceror who immigrated to the United States from England. His primary motive was to create a haven, a place for himself and other sorcerors to gather and talk freely, free from

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[jla_extras]

*Quite contrary to sorceror custom, the Phantom Stranger sits openly at a central table, a pint of stout in front of him. He looks up from his drink at Fae, who strides over to his table.*

So, Hector Hall. You've seen some of what threatens creation? You've journeyed to the end of all time and space, to an Inn not unlike this one, and earned the secrets kept there?

[doctorfatejsa]

I know you heard my warning, Stranger. You claim no friendship, but you hold your honorary membership in the Justice League close to your heart. And I know you know of my journey to Khandaq, of the freak storm that devastated the country. Even the former champion of Shazam could not halt its fury.

[jla_extras]

Close to my heart? Perhaps. There are few that have walked beside me down my path for even a short while. To offer me companionship, no matter how fleeting. It is difficult to not be ... fond.

And you speak truly when you say I know of your journey to Khandaq. That was no natural storm, nor did it come from god or devil. There is something new nestled in creation's bosom. Something unknown to me.

[doctorfatejsa]

*Fate slams his fist on the sturdy oak table, a rage that could cause gods to pause welling within him.*

Then why do we waste our time on riddles?!? Earth's heroes are scattered, distracted. I warn them that something's coming, but they have no idea what to prepare for. How do we marshall for war when we don't know what we're looking for?

[faceless_freak]

Scratch, scratch, scratch.

He twitched and mumbled and shuffled through.

"A scourge, a scourge upon the world - you haunt me?"

"Will you damn me TOO?!"

"No no no."

He liked the dark corner and went there, listening and Listening and not liking any of the above.

"Hexed. Cursed. It makes me vexed."

[jla_extras]

Victor Sage. It is good that you could join us. Tell me, what are the cities telling you?

[faceless_freak]

"Too much, too much..."

He covered his ears, fingers digging into flesh, mumbling to himself, "Lullabies in Broadway, scabies scabies."

"I See better than to Hear right now. But to See, to see them..."

[jla_extras]

Tell me, voice of the cities. Tell me what you see.

[jla_extras]

A small form wanders up to the table, reeking of cigarettes and Jack Daniels. He holds a glass of whiskey as he shoves a chair into place, and he hops up into it to look at the others assembled here.

"Well, if it isn't a convention."

[jla_extras]

Indeed it is, Detective Chimp. Do you, also, bring news of the coming storm?

[jla_extras]

"Oh, just your usual strangeness. Talking animals... I mean, other than your whole species of talking monkeys, of course. I had a minute the other day where I could have sworn I was a sea anemone... but I couldn't move to the mirror to check. Of course, I was drunk off my ass at the time..." He takes a swig of his drink.

[jla_extras]

The bartender walks up, looking irritated.

Chimp, how many times I gotta tell you that we don't accept "chimpanis" as legal tender here? Pony up some real money or I cut off your credit.

[12thlevelmind]

A flash of light, and suddenly a Coluan is present - looking slightly confused. He speaks in Interlac:

Well, this is probably indicative of future unpleasantness.

[jla_extras]

"Case in point," Chimp mutters to himself, taking a drag from his cigarette.

[12thlevelmind]

He switches to English.

Late twentieth century Earth. Oh, good. And I see we have a talking monkey who doesn't understand what carcinogens are. How entertaining.

[faceless_freak]

"...Nngh." The Question held his forehead and tried very hard to NOT look the recent arrival. This was just exhausting him.

"How snarktastic," he muttered.