Chapter seven:
"Why are you doing this?" Said Kara Danvers.
"It's quite simple, Superwoman. You see, I am a man of science." Replied Scarecrow.
He then began to pace Kara Danvers and Metallo as he spoke.
"For year's, I have conducted numerous experiments into the influence of fear, with varying results and degrees of success. However, I have yet to conduct that experiment that will provide conclusive proof of my research, the experiment that no one can deny." Said Scarecrow.
Scarecrow then knelt down beside Kara Danvers.
"Today, I plan to change that. With you." Replied Scarecrow.
"It won't work." Said Kara Danvers as she felt herself growing weaker.
"Oh, we know about your immunity to toxins. That's why Metallo's here, to weaken your hardened outer shell and your immune system. Soon enough, my toxin should affect you the same way as any human maybe even more so." Replied Scarecrow.
"Even then.... you need fears....to prey on, Scarecrow.... and I fear nothing." Said Kara Danvers.
Scarecrow then laughed at her.
"Oh, such a thinly velled lie! Fear is a primal instinct, embedded in all living things, and the most powerful of motivators. Then again, you already know that, don't you Overgirl?" Replied Scarecrow.
"What are you talking about?" Said Lois Lane.
"Darkseid." Replied Scarecrow.
Scarecrow then sensed her fear as he said that single word. He then grinned slyly.
"Does he haunt your thoughts, Overgirl, your nightmares? I imagine he has done, even since that fateful day. You see, I watched the battle with the masses, and I read your body language, studied your movements. It was painfully clear to me that it was not, as others determined, love that drove you to fight.... It was fear." Said Scarecrow.
"The fear that Darkseid could potentially be the one opponent you could not defeat. The fear of losing. The fear.... that you would break the promise you made to protect the citizens of not only Metropolis, but the world." Replied Scarecrow.
"Imagine that, if you will, Overgirl....a world under Darkseid's rule. Cities like your precious Metropolis destroyed. The people that you love enslaved or killed. The entire planet changed forever, and with no one powerful enough to do anything about it, and all because you failed." Said Scarecrow.
Kara Danvers tried to struggle from Metallo's grasp, but she was too weak from the kryptonite.
"I think she's softened up enough." Replied Scarecrow.
"Excellent. Then we can proceed with the toxin." Said Scarecrow.
He then reached into a pouch that was attached to his belt, and pulled a syringe and a small jar.
"Tell me something." Replied Kara Danvers.
Scarecrow then looked at her.
"You and Metallo....how? Lex Luthor?" Said Lois Lane.
"Well, you do have the brains that match the brawn. I approached Luthor last week, and he was more than happy to strike the deal." Replied Scarecrow.
"But why? Why would he agree?" Said Kara Danvers.
"Because he and I are of the same opinion. The fears of someone with a burden and powers such as yours could potentially bring about destruction, equivalent to that which we saw with Darkseid." Replied Scarecrow.
"You're trying to turn me into a monster." Said Kara Danvers.
"Not quite. The monster is already inside of you. I'm merely bringing it to life. And once I do. I will become a legend!" Replied Scarecrow.
"You're a fool." Said Kara Danvers.
"Oh? How so?" Replied Scarecrow.
"You think that Lex Luthor will let you gloat? That would expose him. You're a pawn Scarecrow and nothing more. Lex Luthor will stop you one way or another." Said Kara Danvers.
"Even if that were true, it's of no importance. Even if Lex Luthor wants to discredit me, the toxin will still be in your system. Your autopsy will confirm my hand in this, and your death will bring me immortality!" Replied Scarecrow.
"You will....be stopped.... somehow." Said Kara Danvers.
"Well we'll just have to see how things play out, then don't we? Hold her down Metallo!" Replied Scarecrow.
Metallo obeyed as Scarecrow gripped Kara Danvers right arm, and then with one strong movement, thrusted the syringe into Kara Danvers flesh.
Kara Danvers groaned in agony as Scarecrow injected the toxin into her blood. He then removed the syringe, placing it in the jar.
"Now don't fight the toxin. Embrace those fears of your's, and those nasty consequences we discussed. Doctor's orders!" Said Scarecrow.
As Metallo rose to his feet, Kara Danvers struggled with all of her strength to try and pick herself up.
"No.... I won't.... I can't." Replied Kara Danvers.
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice, my good woman. By the time you awaken, the toxin will take full effect." Said Scarecrow.
"Awaken?" Replied Kara Danvers.
"Sweet dreams." Said Metallo before he punched her in the face.
Kara Danvers then fell to the floor unconscious.