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Not so Speedy. (Young Justice SI)

Episode 9: Unholy Grail
Episode 9: Unholy Grail
Bana Migdhall
January 11, 2011
9:42 AM, EEST


"Is that... Hippolyta?" I ask Donna, who slowly nods with shocked joy plastered on her face.

In Bee's bedroom, is a collection of her trophies. The one on most prominent display, is the missing Queen of Themyscira in all her petrified glory.

"Yeah, it's her." Donna runs a shaking hand over the stone arm. "I can't believe it, they didn't smash her to pieces."

"We followed the Queen Goddess, because she defeated our own divine protectors and slew our Queen." One of the Amazons informs us. "Now we follow you." She directs her awe filled gaze towards Firestorm.

Being the most senior soldier left, the red headed Artemis has been our guide. I don't know if Artemis, Ted, John, or Martha, is the most common name on this Earth.

My daughters' defeat of Bee, was felt be all who worshipped her. I have already heard hushed whispers from the warrior women, calling Mary-Jane the 'Phoenix'. What they are about to do, will not put the rumours to rest, only fan the flames higher.

"This is wrong." With arms spread wide and eyes glowing in a swirl of red, blue, yellow, and orange, sends a gout of golden flame forward.

It burns the stone in seconds, leaving only a fine white ash behind. A cough from Hippolyta surprises all of us and a cloud of the magical residue forms, around what was seconds earlier only a statue.

"Mom!" Donna is coughing in the ash cloud, gleefully grabbing her mother in a hug.

"Donna?" The Amazon Queen asks slowly, still coming to terms with her sudden awakening. "What's going on? Has the attack been repelled?"

"Months ago, as well as the one on my Island." I assure the confused woman. "My Teams are here, to rescue the both of us." Sharing a wink with Donna over her mother's shoulder, she knows I also thought that saving Hippolyta was a lost cause.

"We are in the city of the Lost Sisters," Explains Donna, gesturing towards the red headed Amazon. "We found them."

"Why was Bee looking so hard for Isis' tomb?" I ask Artemis of Bana Migdhall, who glares fiercely at me and nearly doesn't answer.

"Isis is the only one of our Goddesses, that Bee did not slay herself." The response is growled low, so as not to disturb the royal reunion. "She sealed away the Unholy Grail. Once Queen Bee had found it, she would have no longer needed the weak men of the Light."

"Well it's somewhere in the Outback," Helena joins the whispered conversation, he body now made of a khaki fabric. "Grodd and I found that out quickly, but knew to keep it quiet."

"Truly?" The red headed Amazon exclaims, amazement filling her voice. "You found her?"

"Well... more like we narrowed it down a lot." Grodd adds, his voice rumbling deeply. "It shouldn't take to long to have an actual location, now that I no longer have to work slow on purpose."

"What will happen to us?" The highest ranking Amazon of Bana Migdhall demands of me, ready to fight for her sisters when I give the expected order of execution.

"Well this region is going to be going through some serious upheaval and we can't leave a city of militant man haters in a position to conquer." I explain my position openly. "You'll be given a choice. Go to Themyscira for reintegration, come to Santa Prisca with me, or face the crimes you committed in the area for centuries."

"Our ancestors left Themyscira, because they lacked the courage to face the evils of man head on." Artemis growls in defiance. "Only our cowards would even think of returning."

"Well you can come to Santa Prisca." I offer again.

"A nation ruled by a King?" She snorts darkly, deriding my ability to lead. "Why would any of the True Sisters, go to such a place?"

"My daughters are the one who killed Bee..." I stare Artemis down, my arms crossed and my expression deadly serious. "So don't you need to keep them safe, from my evil male influence?"

"Maybe." She finally looks away, conceding defeat.

"Good," I casually explain. "Because as soon as we leave, I'm guessing some bombs are going to be falling here."

"Yeah the neighbours aren't very fond of my sisters." Donna agrees, her and her mother approaching with arms linked. "My Queen is going to be assigning me as the Themysciran ambassador to Santa Prisca, help Mary-Jane show them a less bloody way forward."

"But your mother," Hippolyta remarks with a grin. "Is making sure you spend time with friends."

"So make sure my room in the Tower," Donna gives me a smirk, concealing her emotional flood from her mothers return. "Is facing the West, I want a nice sunset every night."

"You handle the Superfriends' combat training, while M'gann handles the more Den Mother portions?" It would give Dick a reason to come around more.

"Maybe, but I've been thinking we should rethink the Team name." She gives me an apologetic shrug, but I'm no longer a member. I have no room to complain. "I don't think any of us really want to be worshipped, but we are revered. Kind of like the Titans of old."

"Splitting the Team," Realizing she has a point, I follow her line of thought and think out loud. "Would let us have a younger, more inexperienced Team of Superfriends. They can work on training, teamwork, and non combat fieldwork."

"While the 'Teen Titans', can do what we are already doing." Donna nods her head, glad I'm seeing her point. "Handling the stuff to small for the League and outside a protected city."

"And this will get Dick to stop whining." We share a laugh at my remark, but she does agree.

"Yeah, he's gotten quite paranoid and thinks everyone is a spy for his dad." She lowers her voice and hangs back with me and her mom, while the rest carry on ahead.

"He does know girls think he's cute... right?" I have to ask, because Barbara and Greta are the ones I remember him complaining about.

"He's kind of got a one track mind and is basing his new style off of..." She gives me an awkward look and makes sure no one else is nearby. "You."

"What?" Hissing back in shock, she only gives concerned shrug.

"He saw how you took charge, did what had to be done, and never really asked anyone for help." Donna explains and I can only scowl at my own screw up. "You get respect from the League, the world, and even the villains we face. He looks up to you."

"Well damn," Groaning, I run a hand through my greasy hair. "That means I'm going to actually have to talk about my feelings with someone else... out loud even."

"I appreciate it," Donna puts a friendly hand on my shoulder and thanks me. "You can always talk with the rest of us too, M'gann isn't the only one who cares about you. You all became my sisters last year..." Her eyes widen and I laugh.

"Don't worry," I wave off her slip of the tongue and appreciate the intent it was delivered with. "I'm already telling the world, I'm a knock off of you sister. Wally keeps showing me fan art with me in her uniform, only in the new Santa Prisca colours."

"So you in a one piece," She smirks at he revelation. "But in your daughter's pattern?"

"Yeah..." I admit finally, no way to put the cat back in the bag.

"Aw," Her mother coos at the teasing. "You're such a good father." She grabs my hand and shakes it firmly, I think we just made a deal of some kind. "My daughters will learn not all of mankind is evil."

"But the ones who are," I give a serious answer, to a serious commitment. "We make them pay for their crimes."



Santa Prisca
January 11, 2011
4:12 PM, CST


"Are you speaking without mouths again?" Maxima demands of Jim, irritation marring her features. "We have discussed this my Love Machine. It is rude if I am not included, we are one now." She's here for the family reunion, at her insistence of course.

"Love Machine?" Roy snorts in amusement, which has Jim shrug awkwardly.

"I needed a heart transplant," He opens his dress shirt, showing a violet glow beneath his skin. "She had a glowing rock of space love."

"I don't know why he wants me here," Oliver's anxious voice carries through the room, when the elevator door slides open.

"Because you're his dad and he needs you." Dinah pushes him forward, shaking her head at me. "Now stop dragging your feet and say something to him."

"Hey Roy..." Oliver wipes at his sweaty brow. "How are you feeling?"

"Conflicted." Roy finally admits, stepping forward. "I was so angry because of the lies. But since Connor gave his memories, I remember how worried you were when he was found."

"You gave him your memories!" I'm surprised by Oliver's vehemence.

"Only the ones from when I thought I was him," I explain casually, hoping to underplay the news. "But I will need some refresher lessons, I kind of forgot how to use a bow." I was embarrassing with the bow I borrowed from the Amazons.

"I'll make sure to book some time off then," Oliver smiles and turns back to Roy. "How about you, want to join us?"

"Kind of can't anymore." Holding up his arm cannon, Roy sighs.

"We couldn't do anything for Jim, he was missing too many organs." Roy listens to me with rapt attention. "But you have all of your brain and heart. Dubbilex has said, we can grow replacement limbs, kidneys, liver, and lungs."

"You can fix me..." Roy stammers and I can feel his overwhelming emotions, churn up inside him.

"If you want, yeah." I'm not ready for the hugs. Ollie's I can handle, but Roy's takes us all down in a heap. "Santa Prisca makes it's money cloning blood and body parts, we already have things set up."

"Thank you!" His words are thick with gratitude. "I can't stop hearing the machine beep and whistle in my head."

"No problem... dad." Roy's face blanches at my remark.

"Um... what?" His voice cracks, while his eyes are nearly popping out of his skull.

"Well only in a mystical sense," I clarify, before he can really freak out. "Biologically we're triplets. Sorry, I was trying to break the ice with a bad joke."

"Ever since he became a dad, his humour got a lot worse. He really likes puns now," Ollie shakes his head at me scornfully, but I see his reflection in the window.

"Who me?" Twisting my head around like an owl, I smirk at his expression.

"Oh god!" He really does look green right now. "Don't ever do that again!"

"You have a daughter... Firestorm right?" Roy asks and I can see him doing the mental math.

"Yeah." Nodding my confirmation, I smile sadly and think of how Mary-Jane came to be. "Her mothers Serling and Danette are no longer with us."

"Two girls and you?" Roy is leaking confusion, while Ollie and Dinah laugh at my explanation. "How does it work like that?"

"Very fun." Ollie adds with a leer, flinching when Dinah elbows him.

"One was an elemental gyndroid and one was a human." My words only make Roy frown even more.

"That doesn't answer anything!" His eyes are crossed and his voice is shrill. "I only have more questions now."

"We have a really weird family tree now," I admit with a chuckle. "Ask me how we're related to Superman at dinner, it always makes Lena uncomfortable."

"Be nice to her, she's hurting right now." Dinah glares at me, chiding my choice of humour.

"It'll bug her, but remind her she has family here." I shrug under Dinah's glare, but don't back down. "She needs some normalcy."

"Most of the Team, is transferring here for school," I change the subject, trying to get through the list before anyone else shows up to eat. "You can go back to Star City with Oliver and Dinah, or you can stay here."

"Team?" Roy's eyes are gleaming, because of course he remembers right up until we left for Cadmus. "Do I have a place on it?"

"After the surgery and recovery time, yes." I cut off Oliver, knowing Roy will do what he wants and we may as well make things less dangerous for him. "You'll be able to work with the Superfriends first and learn the new procedures and teamwork. After you show you can do both, you'll be able to move up to the Teen Titans."

"Teen Titans?" Interjects Oliver, because this is news to him.

"Donna and I got to talking and we think it's a good idea to split the Team." I explain and he nods in understanding. "Half the Team is not ready for combat missions, or at least the same level as the rest of them."

"Having a tiered system," Dinah admits, her face locked in serious thought. "Sounds like a good idea."

"M'gann will be sponsoring the Superfriends, while Donna is chaperoning the Titans." I explain, smiling at Mary-Jane's enthusiasm at a purely rescue based team. "It's definitely easier to share leadership, as I have learned painfully. Which is why the Superfriends will rotate every week, while the Titans vote every month."




Santa Prisca
January 11, 2011
7:19 PM, CST


"You aren't my mom!" Garfield Logan accuses fiercely, when Halo walks in. "Who are you?"

"I don't know," The entity inside Marie Logan admits softly, aware of how upset the boy is and unsure what to do about it. "The children at the hospital, have taken to calling me Halo." Halo enters the living room and lets Garfield vent.

"Halo... like an angel?" Garfield mutters darkly and glares at the entity. "Why would an angel, steal my moms body? Angels are good and stealing is bad!"

"M'gann has her memories, but your mom's spirit has passed on." Halo explains awkwardly, unused to such anger being directed at her. "I only have her body and desire to heal."

"I recommend talking to T.E.A.C.H," I interrupt the brewing hostility, mentioning the AI therapist.

"Who?" Garfield is confused, so I run to M'gann and I's room and grab the Walkman sized device.

"Talk Emotions Always Capable (of) Harm." I enunciate each word clearly, showing them both the label. "Mary-Jane made it and they have given one to each person they know so far.

"We have some spares already assembled," Mary-Jane offers shyly "One for each of you, Roy, and the Sandsmarks."

"My moms dead..." Garfield realizes what we've been talking around, tears welling up in all his eyes. "And I'm alone now."

"Never." M'gann rushes to him and embraces him tightly. "Marie gave me all her memories of you before she died, she wanted to make sure you always had someone who would care."

"Really?" Garfield sobs into her shoulder, so I share the feeling of love I already have for Mary-Jane.

"Of course," Approaching slowly, I pat him on the back and join the hug. "You also have Mary-Jane and I. M'gann accepted my own kids, so of course I'll love you too."

"He does have a thing," M'gann giggles quietly and stage whispers to the crimson boy. "For loving fast and claiming everyone is family."

"We'll never replace Marie, nor do we want to." I assure him firmly. "But you will never be alone, I promise."

"That means he's giving you a bed time," Mary-Jane adds with a smirk, so I reach over and pull them into the family hug. "And a bodyguard."

"You knew?" I sigh, because of course they did.

"Of course," They remark with a warm smile. "You never told Cameron to keep it a secret."

"Oh." This is what happens when I make a plan without M'gann, I miss the obvious holes.

"Thanks for doing that dad," MJ remarks and I can sense how much they mean it. "Mother Serling didn't have friends in school. It's strange being the popular one, but we kind of like it."

"I have to go to school?" Garfield groans, going rigid in our embrace. "That is so not fair."



Gympie
January 13, 2011
8:01 PM, AEST


"You're sure the Tomb," Kaldur double checks with Helena. who has accompanied the newly formed Titans. "Is within this region?"

"I kind of figured an Egyptian Goddess," Scanning the dry brush land for any kind of clue, Wally raises a good point "Would be you know... entombed in Egypt."

"All markers on the Orb of Ra," Helena Sandsmark clarifies, her body has taken on a Hodge-podge of whatever each limb touch last. "Signified the Tomb of Isis, is somewhere on the North Eastern coast of Australia."

She's become very invested in working with us, since being chosen by Ra and learning the Gods are in fact real. I can't blame her.. I've gone from not being sure if I believe in anything at all, to trying to decide which one is right for me.

I've seen townsfolk lay gifts at the feet of the statues outside the T tower. Dubbilex had obsidian ones created in the likeness of each member of the old Superfriends, even Garth has one. It's made it clear to me, that Donna is right.

People do revere us, even if it may be to different levels. Mary-Jane's statue, by far has the most offerings and Wally's is not far behind. I'm the King here and I'm tied for fourth with Kon, even Raquel has me beat.

"Well we have signs of someone else looking here," Dick in his Scarab armour, crouches down and examines some tracks in the red dirt. "Australia doesn't have gorillas, so I'm going to say Brain is already here."

"Question and Answer. Link up and do a scan for anyone in the area." Artemis takes over, finally getting her chance to lead in the field. "I don't want us walking into a trap again."

<She's doing a good job of moving past what happened.> Referring to Artemis, M'gann and I scan the nearby wilderness for any sentience. <I don't know if it should impress, or concern me.>

<You're the only one who actually knows what happened and she saw what you did to Marvin,> My other half remarks seriously. <When and if she wants to deal with it, she'll come and talk to you. Right now, she's still dealing with killing her dad and is okay with repressing.>

Marvin got mad every single time she resisted his instructions and advances. When Artemis said no, he used a shock collar on her like she was a dog and had her writhing on the floor.

She never said yes and he finally realized he would have to finish making her into a docile Alice later, once the rest of us had been handled.

I was worried he was taking his aggression out on the other girls, but he only has eyes for his 'Alice'. Of course the surgeries done by the Shadows, have given each of them very visible mutations and he intended to control them like puppets with his hats.

<I know, I just want to do something.> I groan internally and clarify. <Artemis gets to decide when and how she wants to deal with things, I know this.> She likes to repress her emotions, so hopefully she talks before something forces the issue.

<Good.> M'gann gives me an approving smile. <She's had enough of men in her life telling her how to think and what to feel.>

<I just wish she would say, 'Go hit this person a lot and I'll feel better.'> I get a snort from M'gann who directs my awareness to a group a few miles away.

<Well what do these people feel like?> She shows me a cluster of emotions in the distance, checking to see if she can do a deep dive on them.

<Anger, hate, fear, and the rest of the usual villain grab bag.> I give her the all okay and her eyes glow white.

"Yeah. they're waiting for us alright," M'gann lets the rest of the Titans know, pointing in the direction we found them. "And they already called in our arrival to Brain, so we need to hit them now."

"You heard the Answer," Artemis claps the dust off her hands and starts giving out orders. "Beta squad. surround and contain, while Alpha plays bait with Question."

"Why do you always make me play bait?" I whine without meaning it. "I thought you got over wanting me dead."

"You know we need you and M'gann to act as our radios." Artemis growls at me.

"Yeah I know," I retort back, scowling at the idea of being the bait.

"So do you really want her to switch with you?" She changes her uniform to stealth mode, the white shifting to orange and I hear her mutter under her breath. "Like to see my sister be Orange Tigress now."

"No I don't, you know that." She smirks at my concession and points to the direction of the ambush.

"Good, now go Question the goons," Artemis shoos me away and vanishes into the underbrush with Beta squad. "M'gann will Answer why we're here."

.
.
.

"How many are we expecting?" Kaldur asks quietly while we hike, making it look like nothing more than casual conversation.

"Five human of level intelligence and around twenty of the enhanced animals Brain is growing fond of." I inform him, but make sure Lena, Mal, Raquel, and Kori hear me as well.

"The apes are hard to distinguish from humans," Lena understands my meaning and makes sure to clarify for the others. "So it's going to be something like Richie's dogs I assume."

"I'd put my money on whatever the hell those are!" Raquel interrupts our debate, warning us of the pack of charging... things.

They look like a cross between a crocodile, baboon, and a horse. Each one is complete with snapping jaws and long swift legs. Only a few have riders but even from this distance, I can recognize most.

Killer Croc looks to be leading the charge, directing the riderless beasts and roaring in savage glee. Cheetah runs beside him, her eyes locked on my throat. A pink feathered bird man, rides behind him and resembles a flamingo.

On all fours and racing towards us, is a nearly ten foot tall Mammoth. He has a body covered in shaggy brown fun, a prehensile trunk, and massive tusks ready to gore me. They extend from his shoulders and point forward like lances, when he lowers himself for a charge.

Above them flies a literal Mothman. His every wing flap sends a shower of glittering dust into the breeze and killing the grass it lands on.

"Stay clear of the dust and try taking them alive." Lena advises Kori seriously.

"Or..." I can feel the anger and frustration inside each hybrid mount. "I can do this." Focusing on all the anger I have, I send it into the beasts and drive them into a savage frenzy.

"Yeah that works," Mal gives me a high five and starts to grow. "I'll take their big guy."

"It's not football remember," Lena remarks with a teasing grin. "Don't just slam into him and grapple, you can hit him as hard as you want."

"Leave the pretty bug person to me," Declares Kori with a sad look on her face. "He has to be controlled and in need of saving, yes? So I will be freeing them!" She waits for no more discussion and we have to race after her, or let her be surrounded.

"I got the cat girl," Rocket's eyes glow indigo, as she claims her own opponent. "She looks fast, but we all know I can deal with that."

"You're stronger than I am," I admit with no shame. "You take the crocodile guy." Kaldur agrees with my assessment, leaving me to handle the flamboyant cannibal.

What looks like a pyramid, rises tall on the horizon. It's covered in trees and overgrown by time, but the unnatural shape is easy to define in the setting sun. It seems fitting the Goddess of Fertility, has a tomb overgrown by nature.


Gympie
January 13, 2011
9:56 PM, AEST


"We told," Mammoth grunts out an answer to my question of why they are here. "Wait in cave." M'gann is getting really good at undoing indoctrination, she didn't even knock him out. "Call Brain and catch heroes."

So whatever we're here for, is inside the cavern. Turning back to the others, I hold in a giggle at the sight of Killer Moth. He realized very quickly how outclassed he was and acted like the simple insect Kori assumed he was.

She's treating him like a pet and I'm going to have to explain the reality of the situation. After she finishes brushing him and attaching the ribbons of course, it will keep him from causing trouble until we can figure things out.

"Starfire." Artemis gets her attention and laughs at Kori's expression of glee. "Can you and the Wonder Twins, send these guys to Waller. Brain's on his way and I don't want him to have reinforcements on hand."

"Of course friend Artemis," Kori salutes eagerly and starts to round the beaten Animen up. "We will be ensuring the safe confinement of them all and returning for the combat."

"Kor," Lena sighs at the lack of protocol, leaning in to Starfire's side and whispering. "We talked about this, remember to use code names when we're in uniform."

"Forgive me White Tigress," Kori bows her head in shame, her emotions as easy for everyone else to see as I view theirs. "I will learn from this mistake."

"Don't make a big deal out of it or anything," Grumbles Artemis, uncomfortable with such seriousness in her friends. "Just don't do it again... please." She even remembers to add, when she sees Lena's scowl from behind Kori.

"Are we going to call in the League?" Kyle Raynor the replacement Green Lantern for Hal, asks uncomfortably. "Didn't Brain thrash you all when he only had Hal's power battery? Now he has that Amazing Android, or whatever you said it was called."

"Which is why we aren't," Counters Dick, his Blue Beetle armour sliding over his face. "We don't want to give him even more powers to choose from."

"Well... how did the League beat it last time?" Kyle asks, his voice more uncertain than expected for a recruit of Guy's.

"Brawl that lasted for hours," Dick explains smugly. "Eventually Batman realized the weaknesses also got copied and got his shard of Kryptonite."

"And you have some right?" Kyle checks with the younger teen, who shakes his head in the negative.

"Nope, but we have other weaknesses to exploit." Joining the discussion, I try to reassure the overthinking Green Lantern. "If he copies my powers, freeze him and smash." Admitting my weakness is not something I like doing, but I trust my friends now that the villains are gone.

"Sound or smell overload," Kon adds for himself and Lena. "Magic will also work."

"Fire if he goes Martian." M'gann shivers at the idea, ready for the eventuality.

"And I have a way to maybe shut down his ability to use the Green Light." Kyle looks very concerned, when I reveal this to him. "I just have to bury him in fear, so I hope you really have none."

"Hal's ring was malfunctioning," Admits Kyle with a frown at his hand. "It chose me, because it almost ran out of power over my house."

"Well then, it's time we got you some well earned pride in your skills." Clapping him on the back, we finally catch up to the others in front of a stone door. "Will is not an emotion and the thing each Lantern I know has had in common, was pride in the skills they had. Hal kept repeating 'I can do this, you won't break me."

Kyle stares back at me and nods slowly, seeming to finally get my meaning. I don't mean the sin of pride like he likely assumed at first, but the unwillingness to pass the buck to someone else. The belief in oneself, that you can do anything.

"I. Me." I give him a shrug and continue awkwardly. "Sounds like pride, or maybe confidence to me."

"Yo, Question!" Wally interrupts our discussion, to point out the problem. "What kind of lock is this?"

The grey stone door, has a long hole the width of an arm and no other openings. It has a faded painting that covers the entire surface, showing a massive three headed dragon and pale woman. They are shown being defeated by a group of humanoid figures, the features of each shrouded by light.

"One we need a big key for," Holding up my arm, I frown and get ready to stick it inside.

"What the hell are you doing!" M'gann slaps my hand aside and crosses her arms angrily. "I love you, but damn do you need to think first. What happened last time you just grabbed something magic!"

"You tell him sister," Raquel agrees with her and doesn't keep her voice quiet.

"Sorry," Admitting my idiocy, I step away from the door. "Wasn't thinking."

"Of course not." Winks Artemis, leaking amusement at my situation. "I stopped calling you an idiot everyday and now you slipped back into bad habits. Idiot."

"Let's all use our HEADS," Zatanna laughs at my face, when she adds extra weight to her final word. "And THINK about this."

"I love it when you use your teacher voice." Wally realizes he said that out loud and slinks behind Kon awkwardly with a wave.

"It's about time someone hit him with a clue-by-four." Rolling her eyes at me, Artemis turns away before she can laugh. "He's been in the medical bay, more than all of us combined."

"Well as leader at the time," Defending myself halfheartedly, I grumble under my breath and they just scowl back."I consider that part a win."

"We don't." The Titans respond in unison, glaring at my attempt to excuse my injuries.

"Well clearly it's the size of an arm, so who is going to try?" Conceding defeat, I gesture to the arm hole.

"The Orb of Ra was the map and it's what changed me into this." Helena Sandsmark steps forward with awkward confidence. "We should assume it made me the key." She slides her arm into the slot and her body becomes the same grey rock.

I honestly only brought you," Admits Artemis. "So you could read any hieroglyphs, but now I'm really glad I did."

"So am I," M'gann adds, still glaring at me and disappointed. "I'm getting really tired of worrying every couple of weeks."

"Let's see what's inside," Helena breaks the tense conversation, by twisting her arm and causing the stone doors to slide open. "Or shall you bicker like the children you claim you aren't? You did say Brain is on his way, correct?"

Inside is a large open chamber, with walls covered in rune carved gold. A sarcophagus of an exquisitely carved woman, lays beneath a large sphere of dark red energy. Inside the crimson ball, I can barely make out a female figure and she looks as pale as I do.

"Oh, this was indeed much easier than forcing my way inside." A French voice, with the hint of mechanization comes from behind us.

Emerging from the ground with the use of his Martian Manhunter abilities, Is the Brain. Each arm carries someone with him and I recognize one immediately. Kara Luthor, is grasping the left arm of the golden android. She is in some kind of pitch black body suit, that is covered in silver plates.

In his right hand, Brain lifts a very elderly man covered with blood red runic tattoos. He isn't frail like I would expect, especially considering he looks over a hundred. He's very fit and I would say it looks like he has more musculature than Kon.

"Now then, I shall only give you a single chance to surrender." Amazo's gold arms cross, an aura of emerald forming around Brain's new body. "What do you say?" The pink brain is not visible inside the torso of the android, but I can sense the source of the arrogant French cyborg.

"I say..." Artemis looks worried for a second, before shifting to a predatory smirk and draws her X-ionized daggers. "Titans go!"

We move as a team, me blanketing the battlefield in a miasma of fear. It works a little better than intended, because Kyle's green light flickers out along with the one around Brain.

With the newfound increase in my power, I send my friends alone a surge of self confidence. I believe in them, it's time they know how much.

"In brightest day, in blackest night," Kyle's voice echoes through the cave, leading the charge into battle as the Titans shake off the fear I caused. "No evil shall escape my sight."

He begins to shine green again and rises into the air. His voice clearly showing his conviction, even in the face of fear.




Gympie
January 13, 2011
10:22 PM, AEST


"My mother, is mine!"Lena roars in anger, crashing into Kara and sending the pair into an evenly matched aerial ballet of blows. None of us want to get in an angry Powergirl's way, so we leave the mother and daughter pair to vent.

"Let's show you some real fear!" The buff old man, grins darkly at me and reveals a pair of wicked looked fangs. He cracks his neck releasing the tension of his travel and leaps forward, slamming into me.

For a man who looks too be over a hundred, he's moving with a speed I'm unable to match. The rune covered man isn't anywhere near Wally's speed, but he's going faster enough to leave an after image.

"It was so nice of you children," My foe taunts me, as he catches my punch and slams me hard onto my back. "To bring us a choice of sacrifices."

I can feel a cloud of darkness inside him and barely a hint of the good emotions. I'm not going to find a way to slither into his mind, so I don't try.

Shooting my legs forward like a pair of pistons, I catch the elderly man in the gut and send him sailing away into Kaldur's ready blow. The magical trident stabs right through his chest, sending a spray of black blood into the air.

"Are you alright?" Kaldur looks back at me in concern, not seeing the ancient man pull himself along the weapon's shaft.

"Look out!" I warn my friend too late and he reacts in pained shock, as a pair of fangs are driven into his neck.

"Gross!" The vampire man coughs in disgust and throws Kaldur at me. "You taste like fish!"

"Then allow me to wash the taste," Kaldur sends a torrent of water from his weapon, driving it into the fanged face. "From your mouth!"

The man climbs to his feet and glares at us, his eyes glowing a blood red. I make eye contact with the fiend for only a moment, but it's long enough for me to feel his power.

His runes glow like hellfire and the vampire starts throwing Kaldur around with a gesture. Some kind of link must have been established when he drank from my friend, so I throw myself at him like a tornado of blows.

I take full advantage of my more elastic body and don't stop hitting him. I feel bones crack and then start breaking under my assault, but I keep going. It's only when he explodes in a fog of blood, that I realize I may have gone overboard.

"Such a vicious little creation you are." My self disgust vanishes, as the old man forms behind me. "It's a shame they couldn't keep you controlled." He slashes forward with clawed hands, each strike carving bloody gouges in my skin.

I feel the rest of my blood, slowly get drawn from my body, rising into the air and combining with a stream from Kaldur's neck. Weakly I collapse backwards and feel the cold stone of the sarcophagus pressing into my spine.

"I'm going to have to show my temporary allies," He grabs the dropped Trident and sneers up at Kara. "Why the magic of Blood, is superior to foolish science."

He turns from us and sighs, realizing he lacks enough of the scarlet substance. Observing the Kryptonians in the air, he readies himself and shoots a lance of crystallized blood.

It soars through the air and impales Lena through the side, near where I think her liver is. I'm not a hundred percent sure, her organs may be in different places for all I know.

Her scream of agony, lets me know it hurt though. Her mom takes advantage of the distraction and drops Lena, with a two handed strike.

Lena is sent rocketing into the grey stone floor and doesn't move. A familiar trail of blood, soon flowing from her wound and joining the growing sphere above me.

"No!" A female voice comes from every direction at once, from all around me and the deepest corner of my soul. "She cannot be freed!"

My gaze slides to the even larger orb of unholy black blood, with the grim looking woman inside. Now that I'm really looking, I realize she's awake and struggling inside a prison made of her own blood.

"You must stop them!" The voice insists and I wish I could do something about things, but I can only watch helplessly.

Dick and Donna try to overwhelm the Brain with a combination of alien tech and magical weapon. It doesn't go any better than Kon's earlier attempt and the join him in a bloody heap at the Vampire's feet.

"Then give me some help," I groan out at the disembodied voice, while my head swims dangerously close to unconsciousness. "I've already given most of my blood to stop this, I don't have many drops left in me."

"Then have my lifeblood for this purpose, but be aware this binds us now as one." The woman's voice intones firmly. "You get my power, but also my duties."

"What would those be?" I ask first, because M'gann is right and I need to think before I act more. Watching Kara blast my love with heat vision, hurts me deep and I know I'll say yes to anything the voice demands. The sight of Amazo's body taking out the rest of my friends, is just extra motivation.

"Guide and protect the Lost Sister's," The voice details my purpose and I find no reason to debate any of the requirements. "And make sure the Unholy Grail does not make contact with her father."

"Is that it?" This is a bargain with something powerful, I can't be getting of so light.

"Become the father of another, for each soul you end personally," She insists firmly. "Bring growth to the places of desolation and bring new life to those who seek it."

"That's the kind of thing I was expecting," Mumbling incoherently, I know only the voice could have understood me. "Life long obligation and responsibility for even more people. But I'm not backing down, so yes to whatever else you're going to insist on." M'gann and my friends need help now, not after I read the fine print.

"So the bargain be!" Her voice echoes through my skull and I feel my weakness become a newfound strength.

My veins burn for a moment and then surge with the fluid of life. My heart begins beating faster and I feel my limbs grow warm.

When my vision stops showing me triplicate, I glare at the vampire and Kara beside him. He's drawn the blood from most of my Team already and formed an equal sized sphere of crimson. Bringing it towards the blacker blood already working as a prison, he has them change places and now the pale woman is inside the scarlet sphere.

The body is yours'," The black blood surges into the open mouth of the elderly man and his years literally melt off of him. "I have what I wanted." His body turns back to Kara and reveals he now looks maybe twenty at the most. "And I must say, that God's blood had a very New taste."

"Now!" The voice is faded to a whisper now, but still as insistent as ever. "Before she can bring ruin to all!" And with those words, the voice is gone and I feel strong.

I stand and suddenly in my hands is a whip of flexible wood. Somehow I know, it's as strong and stretchy as I am and the thorns are probably a sign I'm hard to handle. I give it an experimental twist of my wrist and smile, it follows my mental command like an additional limb.

I send it spearing forward like a barbed lance and drive it through the now youthful vampire's right eye. It barely slows him down though and he grabs my whip, pulling me towards himself with a deadly grin on his lips.

"Blood, stop playing with your food." The Brain interrupts snidely, tossing Kyle's groaning body at Blood's feet. "And Kryptonian, why haven't you done your part yet? I will need you both to pilot the vessel."

"Apologies Brainiac, I will do so now." Kara growls out, her bitterness poorly hidden.

She blurs towards the pail and shivering Grail and with a powerful exhale of breath, freezes the Goddess' head solid. For a brief second at least, before she shatters it with a sneering headbutt.

"Good, now come with me. Blood will finish these weaklings and join us soon... won't he?"

"He will," Blood responds with a bloody smirk on his face and stalks towards me. "You smell like sap, so I won't be trying a second taste. So I'm going to have to beat you to death instead, I apologize for the... inelegance of it."

I last longer than I would have expected, maybe even a whole five minutes. Each punch of mine is, being delivered with bark covered fists.

My kicks are landing with the force of oak tree and I'm dodging like a willow in the wind, but I can't do any lasting damage. His eye has already grown back, like I ever even wounded him

"You will be paying," Starfire announces her return, with a barrage of green star bolts. "For harming my Lena!"

Blood is forced to cover his face and this leaves him open for the disc of razor thin ice. Jayna reforms on his other side with a proud grin. Starfire collides with his top portion and Blood's body falls in two separate halves.

"Oh I don't think so," The vampire remarks casually, as a river of blood pulls himself together again. "But I don't have time to play with you anymore, Kara intends to leave me behind it would seem." He snarls in frustration, as the pyramid rumbles and the ceiling rises.

He leaps into the air and sends a lash of sticky blood at the now flying gold metal. He does this just before the plates begin to reshape and he is drawn inside the protective shell. My confusion is cleared up soon, as the top half of the golden pyramid rises from the earth and roars in the sky.

It reshapes its advanced metal and energy systems into a ferocious and imposing form, becoming a three headed dragon of golden metal.

Each head gives off an earsplitting war cry and then shoots a different coloured beam of spiralling energy. Each of the three goes North towards Maryborough and I hope it's not as devastating as it looked.

It doesn't wait for more attacks to be fired, soaring into the night sky and vanishing into the incoming storm clouds.
 
Episode 10: So Many New Emotions
Episode 10: So Many New Emotions
Santa Prisca
January 14, 2011
10:17 AM, CST


"How long are they going to be under?" Oliver and Dinah approach us in the waiting room, shortly after Ted and Roy have been wheeled inside for the operations.

"Ted will be a few hours," Explains M'gann, gratefully accepting a cup of tea from Dinah. "His new body has already been cloned, they just have to transfer his memories now."

"Roy will be most of the day," I add and take my own hot chocolate from Ollie. "But he should be able to get out in the morning." I know I'm not allergic to coffee in this body, but habits are hard to break.

"How did the interviews go?" Asks Dinah, as they take a seat on either side of us. "How many did Waller approve?"

"Mammoth and the Mothman." The other three are unrepentant cannibals, but Mammoth has been misled the whole time. "Shimmer's brother is to simple minded to be choosing his own actions, so we're leaving him in her care."

"And the bug guy Koriand'r wants to keep as a pet?" Ollie asks with an amused chuckle.

"His daughter Kitten, was killed in one of Captain Atom's fights." It was a during his battle with Major Force a few years ago and he's been consumed by revenge. "Once he learned the Captain's fate, he finally started to feel remorse. It seems likely that he will use Kori as a surrogate daughter, if he is permitted."

"She's not opposed," Adds M'gann with a wave of sadness. "Her parents are also gone, she's as lonely as he is."

"So what kind of deal did they get?" Ollie presses for details.

"Mammoth is going to be working at the Marie Memorial Zoo, he isn't legally responsible for his decisions with the Light." I share an image of the zoo and the strange creations, we acquired in Australia. "Mothra as he's going to go by now, has a thirty year record to work off. He'll have a clean one by next year."

"What about Poison Ivy?" Dinah notices my omissions and finds out why.

"I'm still trying to build the nerve," I admit, without making eye contact with anyone. "To do Ivy's interview."

"And Marvin, what is his condition?" Ollie asks softly, doing a good job of being sensitive.

"I'm going to dive into Marvin's mind and try putting him back together," I'll need a day of happy memories, if I'm going to deal with his twisted mind. "After we get back from shopping with the kids."

"You're still coming with Greta, right?" Asks M'gann with a worried face. "She hasn't met Garfield."

"Of course," Laughing, Dinah clarifies. "Waller isn't letting the entire royal family go shopping, without adding some of her own security. She made sure we're coming and so is Paula and Jade."

"She's taking advantage of her early release." She's been pumping out missions non stop and is personally responsible, for the recovery of over three hundred apes.

"I know you didn't really punish the juveniles," Dinah asks, concern for the teens clear on her face. "But do you just have them all living in a dorm, with no foster families?"

"Uh..." I raise a hand and then lower it in embarrassed shame. "I want to say I have had a lot on my mind, but that's no excuse for leaving half a dozen kids unsupervised." I took responsibility for them, when I kept them in Santa Prisca.

"Harley's family was killed by the Joker, so she's going to need some serious attention." Jade's taken her under her wing, but I need to see if she wants to make it official.

"Bill 'Numero' Schuster, Gauri 'Jinx' Dixit, and Micron 'Gizmo' O'Jeneus," I list the other three orphans. "All are lacking in any... living family members."

"I know Icicle Jr's dad is alive," Ollie frowns, but makes his point. "What are you doing with him?"

"He was given a choice and filed for emancipation," M'gann explains for me. "He's been making sure the others, don't give Mary-Jane a hard time."

"I'm going to ask Cameron to come with us," He knows Jade and Artemis, this could be good for him. "Jade will probably want to bring Harley, but I'm leaving the three with powers."

"John wants to bring Rachel, they've been on the run for months. They kind of need some new clothes," M'gann reminds me with a smile. "And don't forget, Kon's bringing Richie."

""And Lena want's you to go with her to the Lexcorp meeting afterwords," I'm nearly at the end of the list and sigh audibly, this is going to be an entire episode. "So she's bringing Kori, so she can finally have more than her uniform."

"Helena asked if we can bring Cassandra," Dinah adds another person to the parade, with an apologetic wince. "Since she's having a hard time looking normal."

"Okay." Oliver grabs his beard and twists it anxiously. "Now that we talked about the sensitive stuff... I kind of need to scold you."

"For getting captured, or something else?" I ask, my confusion plain to see.

"You did a great job looking after things, while the League was controlled." He wrings his hands and has a hard time making eye contact with me. "But you turned down the League position and Donna has barely gotten her seat warm."

"What he's working his way towards," Dinah takes over for the fumbling archer and stares me down hard. "Is you don't get to just restructure a League sponsored team, without talking to us."

"I guess I kind of went from leading the resistance, to being king." I can admit, I may need to stop making decisions for everyone.

"The Justice League had a meeting," She continues firmly, but not unkindly. "And we agreed with you about most of it."

"M'gann can't be the sponsor for the Superfriends, but Paula wants to be around her kids more." Oliver takes over, his normal cockiness back. "So she will take the position and move to reserve League member. We already talked to Donna and she's fine having her membership post dated for a few years, so we can establish proper protocols."

"She knows Dick will push for his earliest opening," M'gann realizes and it makes the most sense to me. "If she holds off, she can make sure he is protected longer."

"Since Ted is getting a new body and he stopped the aging at thirty five." Dinah scowls at her mentors choice. "He can take over Paula's absence on the League and the Atom will work with Dick."

"What about the Titans, who's babysitting us?" I grumble, because they're right but I got used to no oversight.

"Paula will be in the tower, with the kids on the lower floors." Oliver smirks at me and shakes his head at my scowl.

"If you need her she's onsite," Dinah cuts him off, before his teasing gets out of hand. "But the League agrees, you all earned some independence last year."

"And you're still understaffed," I sense something else in the explanation given and unravel it. "So we can handle the intermediate stuff, while you keep recruiting the best the UN is pushing at you."

"Well yeah," Ollie admits with a sigh. "We're going to be having a dozen new members, out of the forty or so they sent for tryouts."

"Good thing you managed to sneak 'Nightwing' and 'Owlman' in, before the forced expansion." I grin at the fact that they have people bossing them around too.

"Does the League have any sign of Tiamat?" I groan and force myself to ask.

"No. it's cloak is old, but still more advanced than any of our sources of detection." Dinah explains, worry starting to leak from her at the idea of the incoming destruction. "We have no idea what the first target will be."



Rome
January 15, 2011
10:44 AM, CEST


"You make sure to listen to Dinah and Paula." I don't let go of Garfield's shoulder, until he acknowledges the words vocally.

"I know," Garfield gives an aggravated sigh and relents. "I can look after myself you know, I did grow up in a war zone."

"Fine, go have fun." I let him go with a smile and watch him run off with Cassandra and Victor Stone, who's dad is really taking advantage of the childcare we provide.

"If I could handle these two," Paula teases her daughters. "We can handle three kids, who behave better than you." Dinah gives a goodbye hug to Greta, before walking of with a giggling Paula.

"I know I can trust these two, to look after Harleen." Jade grabs John's collar and pulls his face close, hissing at him dangerously. "But you better make sure nothing goes wrong, this is her first time having a day of fun... in a very long time."

"Don't ya worry 'bout a thing luv," The British magician smiles cockily and tries to charm the ex-assassin. "I'm making sure my niece has a good time herself. So after we do the responsible stuff and send the kiddies home, How about I take you out and show you the real night life in town."

"Oh!" Kori hears the offer, but misses the subtext. "This is sounding most fun. We can come too, yes?"

"If Lena and M'gann want to, when they finish at Lexcorp." Jade stares Constantine down and smirks. "You better not be all talk."

"Flirt with him later," Artemis growls, annoyance leaking from her. "We need to get Kori a wardrobe and explain why we wear clothes in public."

"I don't need to be wearing the clothes," Kori's exclaims, her eyes shining with understanding. "When we are being in the tower, yes?"

"I wouldn't complain," John mutters and Jade nods along with appreciation.

"Dad, can we go?" Mary-Jane grabs my arm and I realize how long we've been standing in the mall. "Rachel wants to look at the bookstore."

"Sorry," Apologizing, I say goodbye to Kori and the sisters.

"So... is she single?" John waits until Jade is out of sight, before elbowing me in the side. "Or do I gotta seduce her guy too?"

"Zatknis babnik," His niece kicks him in the shin and then grabs his hand, dragging him towards the bookstore. "You said we could have a normal day for once."

"Fine. But I'm taking you to a record store after," John concedes with a fake groan, but is flowing with amusement inside. "Need to show you lot some real style and class."





Lena Luthor
Rome
January 15, 2011
12:36 PM, CEST


"Thanks for doing this," I whisper to M'gann, who currently looks like my brother in a blue suit. "I have no idea who I can believe." Probably none of the board members, but it's good to know for sure.

"Well you're basically family," She smiles back and reassures me. "You can count on me."

"No way I'd say no to this," Oliver Queen adds with a wide smile. "I'm going to walk away, with a big chunk of Lexcorp."

"The board is either cowed or corrupt," Sighing to myself, I explain more for my own sense of dread. "It's better to break the company up and go after the smaller evils, instead of leaving it free to do harm to the whole world." I still haven't come to terms with destroying my families legacy, but it has to be done.

"I know and I'm sorry for making light of it," Mr Queen puts a comforting hand on my shoulder and pauses. "You have a place in Queen Industries and I'll sell you back any of the assets, when and if you decide to give business a try."

"I appreciate that Mister Queen," I try to thank him, but he cuts me off before I finish.

"What did I say about that?" He scowls playfully. "Call me Ollie. Like 'Chris' here said, we're basically family."

"Oops," Squeaks out M'gann, my brother's face going a bright red. "Sorry."

"No more mistakes like that," Ollie chides her gently, which makes me miss my father. "Better play up the strong silent type inside and keep and eye on the board member's minds."





Artemis Crock
Rome
January 15, 2011
2:02 PM, CEST


"Your coloration will go best with purple, as you have already found out." My sister hangs more clothes on top of the dressing room door. "But blues, browns, and white, will also pop."

"Why do you know all this stuff?" Dad never trained us in this stuff, he said it was a waste of time.

"Easier to kill someone," She retorts with a dark tone and a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "Once they invite you inside and take off their clothes."

"Maxima is right," Exclaims the orange princess in glee. "The clothing is armour and your weapons must be very weak, yes?"

"Kind of, but it's more of a weapon and armour at the same time." My sister explains and I still find it weird, how helpful she is being.

"Oh..." Jade waves off my uncomfortable look, when I realize what she was implying and hands me a dark blue cocktail dress. "What's this for?"

"Try this on," She pushes me into my own stall and remarks with more excitement than I expected from her. "You'll need something nicer than what you have at home, if you and your cowboy are coming tonight."

"My clothes are fine," I argue, but try on the dress anyway.

"Sure, for training and hanging out." She tosses a few more over for me and goes into her own stall. "But I'm not bringing you out in Rome, looking like a grungy tomboy."

"Why do you care so much?" Constantine isn't that good looking and he may be charming, but he reeks of smoke.

"I worked hard for this," Retorts my sister and I can hear her exhaustion, no matter how well she hides it from everyone else. "I'm not missing out, on a chance to cut loose and have a fun night." I can almost see her eyes, shining with tangible hope.

"Lena is being sad as well, when she forgets to be in the moment with me and thinks of her family." Koriand'r adds, her own voice confused. "I don't understand, why you humans dwell on the bad feelings so much."

"You have way more to be upset over," Asking the princess, I realize she's been upbeat the whole time she's been here. "How come you aren't mourning your world's fate?"

"My people, don't worry about the bad things that happen." Kori's voice is light and carefree. "We instead seek good experiences, to overshadow the sad. We only grieve when something occurs, the pain dulls quickly."

"Well humans and Kryptonians, wallow in our sadness and take a while to get over it." I snort before I can stop myself, when Jade makes the comment. "If we ever do."

"Then I will doing my best," Kori promises us both, her voice determined and eager. "To share my joy tonight."

Her raw passion, makes me think dancing may be more fun than I originally considered. Kon does look good when he dresses up and like my sister said, we earned this night off.

"Have you finally chosen a code name," I press Jade for an answer while I slip back into my normal clothes. "That you thought of yourself?"

"I have and I was just trying to rile you up about the Tigress part," She sighs and opens up, when she hears my bitterness. "I meant the part about being the bloody sister, but I'm going to be the Red Lion. Time for me to have some pride in myself for once, instead of just anger at dad and how he made me see everything."


Rome
January 15, 2011
2:58 PM, CEST


"Something's different about you today," Remarks John, who's eyes dart between Kon and myself. "You feel like Chris and his sister now."

"I kind of made a deal with Isis and absorbed her essence," I keep my voice low, while the girls pick through the racks. "According to what Lena said, we're demigods until we gain some form of worship."

"Something's been killing off a lot of deities the last thousand years and really picked up this century." He scowls at the mystery and then shrugs. "At least this way, we'll know who comes after you lot."

"I'm a good distraction." Kon smirks and points towards Cameron and Richie, who are being used as dress up dolls. "What's Cameron's story anyway? Why do you have him, as MJ's bodyguard?"

"Basically the same as Artemis and her sister," After making sure he's not coming over, I explain what I know. "His dad is just as bad and he was getting desperate. I gave him a way out and he's been nothing but on his best behaviour."

"John!" The panicked voice of Rachel, carries over the noise of the shoppers. "Do you feel that?"

Constantine refutes this but believes the claim. Wasting no time, we rush forward and reach a shaking Rachel.

"Who is it?" John demands firmly, but with no anger in his voice. "Which one is here?"

"A different one," Her voice is terrified, so I grab my radio and make a call to Dinah.

"We got a demonic based hostile incoming," I make sure my voice is commanding, so she doesn't waste time arguing. "Get your three kids back to the island and then you can back us up."

"Understood," Dinah's response is more nervous than I'm used to from her. "Keep Greta safe for me."

"So one of Rachel's relatives?" I look for clarification, while Kon explains the situation to the others. "More messing with our minds?"

"You're safe from the passive effect now," John reassures me, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Only have to worry about a targeted one now."

"How come the mirror hasn't been set up yet!" Roars the scoundrel, which has Roy snap back angrily.

"It's not working at all!" Roy's voice is angry, but he's flowing with fear at the unknown danger. "Something is blocking the connection."

"I'm guessing it's that guy," Cameron speaks up, gesturing to the parting crowd. "The one who looks like an Emo reject."

"My brother..." Gretchen stammers, when her eyes lock onto the sneering face of Harm. "But he died."

"Tu hermano no tiene la ingle." Rachel remarks and her uncle is torn between laughing and chiding her language. I only know she said something about Harm lacking genitals, because of the Spanish I have been learning by osmosis.

"What?" Roy doesn't have the same luxury and doesn't like being confused.

"I don't know," With a deep blush on her face from Roy's close inspection of herself, she mumbles out a response. "I heard John say it a few times in Mexico."

"Cameron." I stare down the oldest one of the teens and give him strict instructions to follow. "Keep the kids clear of the fight and get them to Artemis and Jade, as soon as you see an opening."

I slide my Martian fabric mask on, assuming my faceless form. Constantine cracks his neck and pats his niece on the head, while Kon just hands Mary-Jane his hat and Jacket.

"Since we know he ain't here for anything good," Constantine suggests to us with a savage smirk. "Let's hit this bastard, before he sees us."

"Fine by me!" Kon agrees with the magician and rockets into Harm, sending them both through the skylight above us.

"I got this!" Richie's voice is shaky, but he is true to his word. "Hop on!" He catches the shower of glass and forms it into a solid disc, floating at head height and ready for passengers.

"Nice dude!" Cameron claps Richie on the back, causing the disc to wobble. "Sorry..." He jerks his hand away from the concentrating blonde and gives him space.

"It's fine," Richie grunts out and smiles at Cameron. "I just haven't done this before, while I was scared for my life."

"My dad trained my with mine that way," The response from Cameron is light, but I can feel his terror filled childhood.

"Mine didn't care if I was scared," Richie commiserates with the reforming teen. "He just wanted me silent."

"Flirt at the club, you can share life stories tonight." John interrupts, as he hoists himself onto the clear platform. "Dead guy possessed by a demon, kind of takes priority here."

"Sorry your right," Richie apologizes and sends me and John through the shattered skylight.

Kon is in a headlock and Harm is looking very yellow bellied. His body is now a pale yellow and I recognize Etrigan. His magical strength was able to match Kon's and overpower him, while we deliberated below.

"With no head, you will be dead," EtriHarm as I'm going to call him in my head, chants his sadistic rhymes and squeezes Kon's neck.

"Not bloody likely," John snarks back, completely unperturbed. "I was expecting you months ago and it turns out my friends here, are the ones who delayed your arrival. So I'm more than ready for you now, thanks for that by the way." He turns back to me at the end and winks. "Was a big help."

He draws a silver chain and lassos it around EtriHarm's neck, black smoke rising where it touches his flesh. Kon breaks himself free and delivers a payback blow, to the demon's unprotected gut.

EtriHarm snarls in rage and I can feel a fog of fear spreading from him. I'm not a small time empath anymore, my skills have been unlocked by whatever Ivy did to me. I fight back against the terror he creates and focus on hope, sending it into the mall as a shield for everyone inside.

It works, but the fear bearing down on the roof increases threefold.

It's taking everything I have to keep this going and I can't move an inch, if I do the shoppers will stampede. The strain is making my vision blur, because everything is now cast in a sickly yellow glow.

"This monster is creating fear indeed," A sneering voice announces from above. "But it is not even half of what the Fearmonger detected." A trio of aliens are floating above the roof, each with a Yellow Lantern uniform and citrine aura.

"Well it's not the one filled with love," The large four armed one snarls and his companions laugh cruelly.

"Not. One. Leaking. Hope." The stilted voice of the female, is the next one to speak. "Yellow. One. Must. Be. Playing." She looks like a bronze chitin covered woman, with a scorpion like tail raised behind her.

"Well let's find out," The first voice remarks, and I can tell it was the Thanagarian male. "Fiend! You have the ability to instill great fear. You have been chosen." A yellow glow shots toward EtriHarm, who snatches it in his clawed hand.

"I find the bargain lacking," The demon remarks, his voice cruel and conniving. "So I will send you packing." EtriHarm slides on the ring and rushes the aliens.

"I love the taste of your fears!" The fiend roars in feral glee. "I will savour the rain of tears!" He grabs the black winged Thanagarian and tears his arms off, the ring joining the first on the yellow claw.

"Came. To. Recruit." The scorpion looking alien panics, when she is next to be grabbed by EtriHarm. "Why?" Are her last terrified words, as another ring is added to the demon's collection.

"I kill!" He races after the final alien and incinerates its' head, with a belch of hellfire. "For the thrill!" It's hard to look at the demon now, his four ringed glow has made his aura nearly blinding to the naked eye.

"Oh how I love this fear," He chants, his eyes scanning the roof of the mall. "I can smell my sister near." He avoids Kon's tackle and crashes back inside, with the three of us in pursuit.




Richard Foley
Rome
January 15, 2011
3:16 PM, CEST


"You two," Cameron steps in front of us and his body glistens, as he becomes an ice sculpture. "Get the girls out of here."

Roy scowls, but he lacks the equipment to argue and starts leading them down a side corridor. I turn and start to follow, but Cameron's scream of agony makes me hesitate.

Scanning the area, I lock my gaze on the store windows. It will be enough, to hopefully make a difference in the beat down.

"Duck!" I focus on the glass and shatter it in a storm of fist sized shards.

Throwing them at the glowing yellow demon, I resist the urge to gag. They go right through the golden barrier and slash the fiend into a bloody mess.

"That was mean," He begins to rhyme, his voice coming out like a snarling dog. "Let's make a scene!" He shakes, sending his nearly black blood into the air.

Once the monster is relatively clean, he rushes for me and snarls. When his claws are nearly at my face I close my eyes in terror. A blast of cold air overcomes me and causes me to land hard on my back.

"You can open your eyes now." Cameron grabs my hand and pulls me up with one of his cold hands. When my hand doesn't come free from his, I finally open my eyes and gasp.

The demon is covered in a thick layer of ice and only it's eyes are moving. When I look down at our joined hands, I realize my skin is frozen to his icy hand and laugh.

"Sorry," He lets his arm return to normal skin and I'm finally able to pull my fingers free. "Not used to helping people up."

"You okay?" Chris calls out in concern, Connor and John right behind him. "That freak hits hard."

"I learned that the hard way," Cameron grabs the left side of his face and calls back to them.

"Artemis. We're near the maintenance room," The faceless King speaks into his wrist. "You three can meet us here."

I don't hear what her response is, since I don't have my own earpiece. Considering his relived smile, I assume the girls are close by.

Chris tackles me out of the way, as the sound of shattering ice makes me flinch. The demon slashes for my back, but my swift rescue saves my hide.

"Things are getting to dicey, I was not expecting it to be so icy." The yellow demon chants again, now free from his confinement and amused. "Tell my sister I'll be back, but for now I shall have a snack."

He dry heaves and a thick black smoke, billows from the depths of Hell and emerges from his snarling mouth. It clings to the demon and obscures him from sight, but leaves an outline of him still visible.

"Not a very good concealment spell!" Connor taunts with confidence, but this soon vanishes from him.

His thorn whip rips through the smoke and shows nothing inside, making John curse in several languages. With a scowl on his face, the wizard stomps forward and dispels the cloud.

"Of course he ran," Spitting through the last puff of foul smelling smoke, John growls angrily. "The bastards never want to stick around and let me finish them off." He trails off, muttering curses in a half dozen languages.

"Didn't run," he voice echoes from everywhere at once and I feel my nerves falter, then break soon after. "Wanted some fun."

A lance of yellow light, bursts from the floor and splinters for each of us. An individual arrow forms even for the girls who have just arrived and pierces the head of each of us.

"I'll have a taste and begone with haste." The voice growls inside my head and I feel my bladder release, as my worst fears come true and everything fades to yellow.


Tower of Fate
July 24, 2010
12:21 PM, EST


"You three lasted a really long time," Kent Nelson helps me sit up and I find myself back in his Dream Desert, Kon and Artemis waking up nearby. "The others are waiting down in the den, Megan made a lot of treats. I think she has bad news for someone and is trying to soften the blow."

"How long did we last this time?" Kon groans and grabs his head with a wince.

"Almost half a year," Kent informs us with a grandfatherly smile. "Which is a great improvement, from the usual few days you survive."

"Well, I guess we're just that much better than the others," Artemis brags and shakes the sand from her hair. "Can't wait to rub this in Wally's face."

"You had better hurry," Kent's words are kind and the smile reaches his eyes. "He's been eyeing the treats already and Megan can't fend him of forever."

"Ooh," Artemis teases me and for some odd reason, I remember her being past that behaviour. "She's baking without you, wasn't that your thing with her?"

"I guess," Trying to play off the remarks casually, I can't stop worrying. "But we've been in the dream most of the day, she probably got bored." Except Kent's words, have me thinking she is reconsidering us.

We are a new thing and being able to reveal everything, may have made her had second thoughts about me. Now that she can spend time with anyone, maybe she's over my bad jokes and ugly mug.

"I should inform you," Kent turns to Artemis and lowers his voice, sadness pouring from him. "Your mother's procedure... encountered some complications."

"What does that mean?" Artemis pauses, her face going as pale as my own.

"She didn't make it." Kent reaches a hand for her, but she jerks away and her face starts to well with tears. "I'm so sorry my dear, but this was always a possibility."

"No!" She refuses his concern and rushes for her room.

"I'm going to go after her," Kon explains awkwardly. "I don't think she should be alone right now."

"Such a nice lad." Kent smiles proudly and I nod my head in an absent minded farewell, my thoughts spinning with fear. "Now come along, no point in keeping such a lovely lady waiting." Normally I would agree with our genial host, but not when I think I'm going to be dumped.

"What did you do, when you got Inza mad?" I ask and am shocked by Kent's transformation.

"Never speak of my angel like that!" His hair whips in the wind, while his skin becomes a dark jaundiced yellow. "She was never angry!"

"Sorry," I meekly whisper and Kent returns to his normal persona. "I was just looking for advice."

"Oh I'm sorry my boy," Kent brings me into the dining, with a snap of his fingers and coldly declares. "But this is unavoidable, she told us how you kept her isolated and all to yourself."

Wally and Zatanna stand and stalk towards me, cutting me off from exit. Kaldur, Garth and Tula, hedge me in from behind and I realize something is really wrong.

"You're a liar, a killer, and you just look really weird," M'gann makes her green skinned presence known, accusing me with a shaking voice. "Why would I ever settle for a freak like you, when I could have someone worthy and good looking."

Her words hurt, but they sound wrong. In fact, I shouldn't be hearing words at all. M'gann would never have such a big conversation out loud. This would all be telepathic, so she had control.

When I take a second look at her, I start to see the flaws in her appearance and realize everyone looks like a cartoon. M'gann wouldn't do this to me, not after everything we have been through.

With my hope in our future growing, I feel the overwhelming fear get pushed back. Everything looks yellow for a brief moment and then I wake up from this nightmare.
 
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Episode 11: Saturday Nightmare Fever
Episode 11: Saturday Nightmare Fever
M'gann M'orzz
Rome
January 15, 2011
3:47 PM, CEST


"What the hell happened here?" Exclaims Oliver in concern, as he checks Artemis' eyes and finds them also unresponsive.

"Gretchen's brother showed up," Connor explains with a groan and tries to get his shaking under control. "He turned into this big yellow demon and started laying in to us."

"But I thought Mary-Jane killed him in the alley?" I grab Connor and hold him close, surprised at how cold he is.

"We never actually checked," Connor leans into me and sighs gratefully, smelling my hair. "I guess she just buried him alive."

"Or the demon brought him back to life." Retorts Connor's dad, done checking the unmoving. "What did he do to everyone anyway?"

"Some knock off Yellow Lanterns, came looking for some big generator of fear and I think they meant me." Connor shakes his head clear and meets Ollie's gaze.

"You?" Green Arrow is amused, but waiting for more information.

"When Bee had me and when we fought Brain." My other third remarks darkly and I remember the terror he created. "I pumped out enough, to turn off Hal's Battery."

"Oh," The billionaire twists his forked beard and hums in shock. "That would be kind of hard to miss, according to the Greenies at least."

"Well they tried to recruit the demon instead and he slaughtered all three of them." Connor presses a kiss to my temple and thinks, so Oliver can't hear him. <I'm so glad you're here with me, you make me be better and try harder.>

<And you make me feel loved.> Blushing at his rather rare public display, I remind him of his own positives. <You have also been making me reconsider my reliance on my green form.> I shift my skin to my natural white and let my hair grow into a darker crimson, that I know he loves together.

<With or without makeup, I'll always love you.> He shares an image of my natural form and I find no trace of discomfort. <You stuck with me, even when my face looked like melted Mozzarella.>

<I told you already, to a Martian the body shouldn't matter.> He shares his grateful relief and I remind him how special he makes me feel. <But until I met you, I was judged by everyone.>

"So how did you snap yourself free?" Oliver interrupts our private discussion unknowingly, bringing us back to the situation at hand.

"I realized that the nightmare was fake, when he really got M'gann wrong." Connor gives me a final squeeze for comfort and kneels beside Kon. "I was with Artemis and Kon at first, so we should by breaking them out."

"Once we assure them it's only a nightmare, we can work through the others." Explains Connor, as he links his power with my own. "Once we do, me and you can do Constantine's by ourselves. He said his mind was dangerous and I believe him."

"Best leave me as lookout," Oliver offers. "You'll all be sitting ducks, if Harm comes back for seconds."

"What are you going to do against him, if he does show up?" Connor teases him, but Ollie just laughs warmly.

"Wake you two up, of course." He holds up his disco alarm arrow and I believe that will work. "I'm not that arrogant."


Kon-El
Mount Justice
September 17, 2010
11:40 PM, EDT


"Do you hear something?" Artemis hisses in my ear, the darkness of our room a false comfort these days.

Ever since the attack on the Tower, we've been holed up in a powerless base. The Light and the controlled Justice League, find it amusing to leave us helpless.

I assume our fathers have some kind of deal with the leaders, which is why we have been left unmolested. Well... as long as we stay in or on the mountain that is. When we try and leave, the Lexmen being led by Jade force us back inside and are not gentle. The bodies of our friends are strung up on posts, forming the boundary we can move inside.

"Yes." I stand from the bed we share in a desire to not be alone and she follows me into he corridor, Trickshot's bow in her hands. "Two people are approaching." I can make out separate footsteps and gesture down the left fork.

"Finally getting a family visit?" She wonders and I shake my head no.

"No way I could hear Cheshire this easily," My voice is kept low, while I clarify for Artemis. "This is probably just kids from Happy Harbor, up here on a dare."

"Let's hope so," Her voice is close to cracking and I feel the strain on my own nerves. "If it's not, we don't really have anywhere else to run."

"Well good," Connor's voice echoes through the dark hallway and my heart clenches. "I don't want to see anymore of this nightmare."

"You can't be here!" Artemis snarls in indignant rage, shooting a salvo of arrows into he darkness. "We saw you die!"

"No you didn't," M'gann is the next dead friend to taunt us, her voice as warm as I remember. "This isn't real, we freed the League months ago."

"More lies to twist the knife even deeper," I growl and switch to my thermal vision, seeing the bodies of both in the hallway.

"I didn't think logic would work," Connor's voice is sad, but expectant. "It was emotion that shook me loose, so we're going to need some of that now."

"If this is really the end," M'gann's ghoul changes tactics. "What's keeping you going?"

"Love." My answer is automatic and I'm not even really sure why.

"Hope," Artemis remarks calmly and I'm not sure how. "That a meteor will hit the Watchtower, when the Light has it's next meeting. All I have left is Hope for Peace, because we don't have the power to fight this anymore."

"Good," Connor remarks with a smirk. "Focus on those emotions for me please." I try not to, but the feelings surge and grow inside me.

I feel the love for my lost friends and family overwhelm me. My feelings for Artemis roll through my mind and everything fades to pink, before a white void floods my sight.

.
.
.

"Glad to be out of that bleak mindscape," Connor remarks in front of me, while Artemis locks hands with my own and seeks familiar comfort. "It's comforting somehow, to find out one of your worst fears was all of our deaths."

"Worst fears?" Artemis demands an answer from Connor and M'gann, who awkwardly try to explain.

"The yellow demon, he locked us all in our worst fears." Connor raises his hands apologetically and clarifies. "I was able to force an emotional surge, when M'gann tried to reach my mind."

"And we came back in to get you all free," M'gann adds with a sad frown. "I did not think so long would have already passed in your minds, we must hurry and free the others."

"How are we going to do that?" I ask, because Artemis and I lack any kind of psychic abilities.

"We send you into Lena's mind and Artemis into her sister's." My spiritual brother explains, his voice soft but determined. "M'gann handles the link and I go into Cameron's nightmare. Once we have them free, we can move on to Koriand'r, Richie, and Constantine."



Lena Luthor
Watchtower
October 2, 2010
2:16 PM, GST


Looking down on the world, I can only sigh and clench my fists in disgust. My father chose correctly and his friends in the Light, they took over the foolish heroes of the world. Mother then proved she was the real power in our family, by turning her husband into the raging beast Doomsday.

In the middle of the Light's meeting over the successful plan, my father attacked them and only Vandal Savage walked away alive. When he found my mother in control of the League, they made a bargain of some kind and now they rule the Earth. God King and Queen of the Humans, with our sights set on Mars next.

Tearing my gaze away from the window looking down on the planet, I enter the room containing my goal. My brother and his friends were spared, at least most of them anyway. The ones with psychic abilities, had to be put down. Locked in a red sunlight room, Kon watches over his friends in permanent cryogenic sleep.

"You can still make peace with mother you know." I eschew a greeting, because he won't return the pleasantries. "And have a place ruling with us."

The words feel like lies in my mouth, because we don't really rule. Over sixty percent of humans are dead and the rest... are in the process of being upgraded. Baseline humans will be useless against the Martians, so we need our armies more powerful.

My brother's eyes lock onto mine and I see them shine with a violet glow. He doesn't scowl or ignore me like normal. This time, he smiles warmly and rises to meet me.

"Lena," His voice is confident and strong, in a way I haven't heard before. "It's really good to see you're alright, I was worried about you."

"Worried about me?" I snort, because that's a new one. "Stockholm syndrome is finally setting in I see."

"You're smarter than this." He stares me down and refuses to look away. "You know how wrong everything is. This isn't how things are supposed to be."

"How things are supposed to be?" I scowl back at him and cross my arms. "According to my mother, we should never have been on this primitive rock."

"So you aren't supposed to exist?" Kon smiles sadly at me and I turn away, no longer willing to look at his accepting face. "No, you're no mistake. You're the best part of mom."

"Dad always said that," I stammer, unsure how he knows the phrase. "I still don't really understand what he meant."

"I didn't get it either, until I saw her in Australia and it finally clicked." My brother's voice, has the answer to my biggest question in life. "She was trapped as a Luthor and without the Ruby of Life, you would have been made soulless. Seeing how much dad loved genuinely loved you, she found a way to reincarnate herself inside you."

"I'm my mother?" I want to refute the nonsense outright, but it sounds correct for reasons I don't fully understand.

"The reason you don't really have any memories until eight or nine," Kon forces me to look at him and smiles. "Is because that's when you and her became one, forming a new person... at least in the mystical sense."

Before I can spiral into dark thoughts, Kon's eyes glow pink. He blasts me with a pair of eye beams and I feel his brotherly love, as it breaks through my fear and everything fades to violet.


Jade Nyugen
Rocky Mountains
October 2, 2010
6:52 PM, PST


Pressing myself against the cliff face, I force my breathing into a slow and steady pace. When my heart stops pounding in my ears, I strain to hear my pursuers.

Ever since my failure to bring in the Clone, I've been forced on the run. My bargain to keep Artemis safe, was no longer secure and we had to flee. For over two months now, we've been hiding out in the mountains of British Columbia.

We're going to have to move now, because the forest is covered in Shadows. Once I killed the fifth one, it was clear I was being herded and so I had to make a break for my sister's location. Once I know I'm not being observed, I slip into to crevice and enter the cavern we call home.

"Artemis, we need to move and now." Wasting no time on pleasantries, I grab my sleeping bag and backpack. "Dad's goons have found us."

"I got to say," My sister's voice, lacks any of the terror I expected. "This really changes how I look at all your needling over the years."

"I'm glad you aren't scared anymore, but we can have this heart to heart later." I toss her weapons to her, but she lets them clatter to the cave floor.

"You really have always been their for me," I can hear the gratitude in her voice, as she thanks me. "I should have been looking at your actions and not been distracted by the words."

"It was one of dad's first lessons." I smile in the darkness, even though I know she can't see it. "Stay focused on the objective."

"Yeah well..." She laughs and I can't help but let out one of my own. "You acted like that, before I had that lesson."

"I had it first," I admit awkwardly. "I might have been a little overzealous with it."

"Yeah well, I shouldn't let myself get distracted now." She goes silent for a moment, before her voice firmly declares. "You know this isn't real, dad wouldn't have let us hide for months. You're letting yourself get distracted by fear."

"I don't get distracted." I refute her claim, even as a worm of doubt wiggles into my brain.

"Then what happened to the mall and yellow demon?" My sister demands. "What about earning your release and the night off at the club?"

Her words strike a chord inside me and I feel righteous fury. My prize was stolen and I'm going to get my revenge on that yellow bellied fiend. My memories flood back into me and I all I see is red.



Star City
October 2, 2010
8:35 PM, PDT


When I arrive in Cameron's nightmare, I immediately recognize Star City. Even covered under several feet of ice, I can easily make out the landmarks of downtown. The spire of ice and castle on top, is a new addition though.

As soon as I reach the several stories of ice, I begin my climb by stretching for handholds. When I stop for breath halfway up, I gasp in shock and nearly fall.

Inside the ice tower, is the entire population of Star City. They have all been frozen and added to the foundation of the fortress, filling me with a cold determination.

"Why won't you stop attacking me!" Cameron's voice wails, when I finally climb into his castle. "I don't want to hurt anyone else!"

"So don't!" My voice echoes of the icy walls and carries to wherever he is hiding. "You already proved to me today, that I made the right choice."

"What are you talking about?" He sobs in guilt. "Didn't you see all the children I froze? I'm a monster!" Well that gives me a few choices of emotion to work with.

"Clearly you aren't!" I shout back and send out waves of compassion. "This wouldn't be a monster's worst nightmare, nor would they feel as bad as you do right now!"

"If I'm not a monster," Cameron demands, his voice filled with remorse and shame. "Then what am I? What am I meant for, except this?"

"My purpose was supposed to be taking down the Justice League," I find him in a bathroom, curled up in the shower. "I decided I didn't like that and found my own." I reach down and grab his hand, yanking him to his feet. "So wake up and find your own, whatever you decide it is."

"I want to make up for the pain my father caused and what he made me do." Cameron smiles, his voice growing more firm with each word. "I want to make people's lives better, like you are." His icy body takes on a purple sheen for a brief moment, before everything vanishes in purple light.


Artemis Crock
Tamaran
October 5, 2010
11:42 AM, GST


Entering Kori's nightmare with Lena, is definitely not what I was expecting. She said her world was conquered, when her sister sold them out to some conqueror. I was prepared for an enslaved world, or at least one in flames.

"Whoa..." Everything is pristine and very orange. "Everything is so phallic." The grass and leaves are nearly the same shade as Kori's skin, while the building's look like they are carved from marble.

"Or shaped like boobs," Lena agrees with a snort, pointing towards some of the smaller houses between the towers. "I don't see any fabric either, so I guess your girlfriend's entire species are nudists."

"She's not my girlfriend," Lena counters, but I can see her blush and I smirk back at her.

"Only because you haven't explained what that means," I insist with a grin, because it's adorable how much attention Lena pays to the princess. "And then you have to ask her, it'll be a good chance at the club tonight. Jade made sure to pick something for you and Kori liked the colour of it."

"What club?" She frowns in confusion as she scans the city with her X-ray vision.

"Oh yeah," Her and M'gann missed the invite and I may have ruined the surprise. "We're all going out to some magical club, once we finish with this head trauma."

"That actually sounds kind of fun." She points to he West and we make our approach.

"Is everyone looking at us because we're not naked," I hiss at her, so as not to attract even more attention from he gawking locals. "Or because we aren't orange bombshells?"

"Kori said her world was pretty isolated, because of some kind of protection her Gods created." Lena answers calmly and leads me into the fairly empty market. "So most of them haven't ever seen an alien."

"I never thought I would be the alien." I can't help but laugh, my life is really strange and I'm just now realizing by how much.

"You're all technically aliens to me," Lena reminds me of her Kryptonian status, which makes me remember I'm dating a half human hottie.

"Is that her family?" I ask, when we approach the sole shoppers.

"Yeah and since it's only a dream," She answers with a wink. "I won't tell Kon, if you check out her brother.

"Kori!" Calling out to our friend, I avoid the remark. "You call this a nightmare?"

"Friends Artemis!" She returns my greeting, by rushing for us. "And Lena!" The nude princess collides with Lena and grips her in a tight hug. "How are you being here?"

"We got woken up from our nightmares and we came to get you," I answer for Lena, who is having a hard time breathing.

"Truly?" Kori releases the Luthor heiress and grabs me next. "You really are the superest of friends and I am being so lucky, you have accepted me as one of you."

"Of course, you're one of us now." Lena grabs Kori's hand and gives her a reassuring smile. "I promise, we'll find a way to free your people one day."

"I am believing in you." Koriand'r accepts the words with a soft smile and waves a sad farewell to her family.

Instead of the difficult time explaining this is all fake that I was prepared for, Kori accepts it as fact. As soon as she does everything vanishes in a flash of blue light and we all wake up in the mall.



Richard Folie
Arkham Asylum
October 2, 2018
2:16 PM, GST


I can't remember how long I've been in here, they don't let me out of my cell anymore. Killing half the inmates in one of my freak outs, made the guards job easier. Also killing half the staff, made them all want me dead. I lost count of my days in solitary, sometime around year three.

Once I realized I was never being let out, I finally was able to relax. I killed everyone in Smallville when my powers activated, or enough that the town was emptied afterwards.

When my cell door opens with a rusty creak and a beam of dim light blinds me, I realize two figures have entered. They end my torment, by slamming the door shut and leaving me in the comforting darkness again.

"Richie." The voice of a ghost intrudes on my penance and taunts me. "It's me Chris. We're here to get you out of this nightmare."

"Finally here to bring me to Hell?" I mumble back.

I'm scared, but I won't run from this. After all the lives I ended, it's time for me to face judgment. Who better than the ghost of my only friend?

"What?" Chris demands in shock. "Of course not, we're here to save you."

"I definitely don't deserve Heaven, so what else do you have in store for me?" I argue firmly, my guilt shackling me better than this prison ever could. "Am I going to wander forever, as a ghost of Arkham?"

"No you brooding Emo!" His partner Artemis, growls in impatience. "We're here to wake you up... from a literal nightmare."

"You killed one person that day and I forgave you for that, because we're sharing the blame." Chris reminds me and I start to remember what really happened. "Everyone else who was injured at the school, has already made a full recovery."

"Oh yeah..." I trail off, as a blast of pink overwhelms me and that's all I can see.



Santa Prisca
January 4, 2013
4:02 PM, CST


"Out of an ice age and into a hellscape." I growl in anger, as I look over the smouldering ruins of my tower.

The rest of Santa Prisca burns and the smell of burnt flesh fills the air. Glad my mask filters out the worst of the odour, I sense for any sign of John's mind.

Following the emotions that are only slightly less dark than the entity of evil, I find Constantine in Richie's shack. A row of grave markers lines the beach outside and I refuse to give weight to this nightmare. Not looking at any of the names, I enter the only shelter I have seen still standing and say hello to a shocked magician.

"I didn't think you would fall for this." He jumps at my words and then relaxes into a scowl, his single arm attempting to cross. "I expected more from such a defended mind."

"I know it's fake, but I need to find more clues," John remarks and I see the writing on the wall, in I believe his own blood. "This is the first thing I've found in weeks."

"If you seek to be free of this fate, the only escape is love so great." I read the messy writing and he nods.

"I found the Book of Blood and read the prophecies inside," He slams his left and only hand into the wall angrily, before calming enough to finish his explanation. "But as soon as I closed the book, I could only remember the last page I read. I've been looking for answers, all over the Americas."

"You're looking for prophecies, so you can stop Trigon?" I frown at the idea, because it seems fear has him locked on a single line of thought.

"You showed me the vision of what happens if I don't." John glares at me, assuming I'm giving up on him. "I really thought you knew what was at stake."

"I do, so here's a prophecy and I'll keep it nice and simple." Meeting his glare with a confidant smirk, I reveal my words. "We beat his kids and then we kick Trigon's ass."

"It doesn't work like that you know." Constantine denies my words, but finally softens his expression.

"Sorry, do I need it to rhyme? Let me try that again." I grin and think fast. "I hate evil the most, so Trigon is toast."

He tries to say something, but I cut him off. I'm a king so it's allowed, this is my kingdom after all.

"If you're going to say it needs some kind of mystic mumbo jumbo, I say." I share the memory of being in the Dreaming and the awareness of my full abilities being awakened. "I'm kind of a sage now and you already know I made a deal with Isis."

"Yeah we really need to have a talk about magical deals and knowing all the details first." Constantine grins savagely. "But who knows, maybe that's how you give prophecies. It is a new era, so maybe magic is finally catching up."

"We won't let this happen, I promise Rachel will be protected. With my very life if I have to." I start to share his most prevalent emotion, so we can finally break out of this bleak horror. "I need you to focus on all the rage you have at Trigon, or we aren't getting out of here."



Rome
January 15, 2011
10:14 PM, CEST


"You said this place was downtown," Jade remarks with an amused smirk on her face. "I didn't think you literally meant it was underground." She stands in front of the catacomb entrance and I have to agree with her, we are all too dressed up for such an eerie location.

The wind makes her red dress ruffle in the breeze and so does her hair. Jade did an excellent job colour coordinating the girls outfits and she even made sure M'gann and Artemis', didn't make them feel out of place.

It was easier for her to choose mine and the other guys clothes for the club, she just grabbed six suits in different shades. I didn't think it was something she would have wanted to do, but I guess she wanted a reason to put her infiltration skills to use... in a situation that won't end in bloodshed for once.

"Darling, it may look dead out here." Constantine strides forward in his black and red striped suit, snapping his fingers with a confidant wink. A spark of his magic rises from his hand and races into the catacombs, igniting torches along each wall. "But it's got a real charm to it on the inside." He tries taking her hand, but she swats it away with a smile.

"Well you better not be all talk," She turns up her nose, at something only she can smell and saunters inside. "This is my first night off in... nearly seven years. I'll be pretty mad, if this is a waste of my time."

"Don't worry luv," He assures her with a confidant smirk, strutting into the ancient stone corridor behind her. "You'll only be pretty tonight."

"He's good, as much as it pains me to admit it." Artemis pokes at Roy, who borrowed my Roxbury suit and rejoined us. "Connor only got M'gann, because he knows before he pisses her off. Watch John and learn, or you'll die alone."

She loops arms with Kon, the two in a matching navy blue suit and cocktail dress. Ignoring the odour they can now also smell, they leave a fuming Roy behind and head inside next.

"Why is she always so mean to me?" Roy grabs my arm and frowns. "What did you do to her, before you got the face lift?"

"He got her house blown up and she and her mom had to go into witness protection." M'gann answers for me, since I was leaving only an awkward silence.

"Show her you aren't me," Groaning at Cameron's laughter, I do my best to help him improve relations. "She'll get over it fast, once you tell jokes that are funny and don't blow any computers up."

"Staying out of the hospital will help as well." M'gann hides her giggles behind her hand and rushes inside with a chuckling Lena and confused Koriand'r.

"What kind of reputation," Roy scowls at me, as we take up the rear. "Have you been creating for us?" The torches each going out as we pass them.

"Uh..." I take a moment to consider the question and really consider how my actions have come across to my friends. "Accident prone and bad with technology. My programming made me aggressive and impulsive before that."

"So what..." Roy glares at me, as we finally catch up to the others. "I have to be a nerd or some kind of quiet jock, if I want to have my own identity?"

"Well Jim kind of went the strong silent type route already," I add and Roy barks out a frustrated laugh.

"I'm the oldest brother, but I got last pick." He shakes his head and realizes we're not moving. "What's the hold up?"

"Jade's making friends with the bouncer," Growls Artemis and our friends part so we can see the spectacle.

A nearly nine foot tall ogre with mottled brown skin and a fancy black suit, is playing dice with a crowing Jade. She's clearly winning and doesn't seem to care, or notice the bouncer's growing anger.

<Let her keep her winnings and don't make a big deal out of it,> I open a mental link with the ogre, trying to avoid any violence. <And I'll give you triple what she takes.> When the ogre grins deviously, I realize I may have misjudged his intelligence.

"Jade hurry up, I want to see who's singing." Her sister grabs her arm and frowns.

"Sorry Boris," Jade relents and scoops her cash up. "Maybe we can play again, when I go out for a smoke." He glances at me and I nod slowly, so he smiles widely.

"Of course miss Jade, I eagerly await a chance to make my money back." His well spoken manner, makes me certain I was stereotyping. I realize in a fight, that could have gotten me killed. "Enjoy your night at Pan's."

He grabs a handle on the massive round door and rolls the shimmering silver, into a slot in the wall. Inside is a well lit room, that looks like a barroom version of the M.C Esher painting.

Stairs lead down to a bar, with a werewolf behind the counter. He's serving drinks with a wild energy, to a group of giggling leprechaun girls.

Directly above the bar on what should be the ceiling, is a dance floor with a band on stage. A satyr, centaur, and some human with backwards legs, are on the instruments and some kind of nymph is singing.

Stairs leading into directions that shouldn't be possible, end up at secluded seating on the towering walls. I can recognize goblins at one booth, are jeering at a dancer who is shifting between the bodies of celebrities.

A trio of hags are acting as the waitresses and giving a very uncouth, yet incredibly amusing service. They berate every single patron they serve, but the patrons accept the words with a smile and tip well.

One sideways area on the wall, has a sphinx with a circle of assorted drunks around herself. Her trivia is clearly heard over the music, as soon as I focus on her in specific. It must be some form of enchantment, because the acoustics could never do that.

"Order what you want, I'll grab us one of the good tables." Constantine informs the others casually and grabs my arm, leading me down one of the side stairwells.

"What are the exact terms of your deal with Isis," John throws me into the booth and slides in across from me, M'gann boxing me in between themselves. "Because you generally only have a year and a day with the whole mystically bargain thing, before the consequences set in."

"Become a father, for each life I personally take." I think back on who's deaths I'm responsible for. "So I think I need two more kids." Neither laugh, but John lets out a half smile.

"What else?" He presses and I know M'gann put him up to this, she's really been worried about my impulsiveness.

"Look after the Amazons of Bana Migdhall and they're already building a new city on Santa Prisca." I sigh when M'gann pokes me in the ribs and continue explaining. "Bring life to places that are desolate, stop Grail from meeting her father, and give people who genuinely seek it a chance at redemption."

"Could have been a lot worse," John remarks lightly, his eyes darting between M'gann and I. "But you two should probably have a talk about the whole kids thing."

"We will," M'gann assures me with a firm voice and then leans her head on my shoulder, enjoying the music of ancient Rome. "But not tonight."

"No skin off my nose, just my friendly advice." He checks the stairs, making sure no one else has arrived. "Now I'm going to need you to look after Rachel for awhile, I need to check some very unsavoury places for information on her dad's plans.

"Since that involves the safety of the world," I make an offer, since Waller and Grodd have both been offered a place on the Justice League. "Why don't you join the Doom Patrol and lead it with Jade?"

Alarms start to blare and patrons begin stampeding for the exit, as a section of stone glows red. It quickly melts through the magically warded rock wall and reveals a glowing red figure, in a by now familiar uniform.

The Gordanian Red Lantern cuts of his gout of corrosive flame and roars. Once his arrival is announced, his eyes lock onto Kon and he rockets towards him.

Kon see's the angry approach, while he's on the dance ceiling with Artemis and shields her with his body. He shrieks in agony, as the red plasma collides with his back.

"Rage?" He mutters darkly and laughs. "I can get angry, try not to get burnt." His eyes glow red and it surges forth, covering the world in red and washing the nightmare away.


Rome
January 15, 2011
10:14 PM, CEST


"You said this place was downtown," Jade remarks with an amused smirk on her face. "I didn't think you literally meant it was underground." She stands in front of the catacomb entrance and I have to agree with her, we are all too dressed up for such an eerie location.

The wind makes her red dress ruffle in the breeze and so does her hair. Jade did an excellent job colour coordinating the girls outfits and she even made sure M'gann and Artemis', didn't make them feel out of place.

It was easier for her to choose mine and the other guys clothes for the club, she just grabbed six suits in different shades. I didn't think it was something she would have wanted to do, but I guess she wanted a reason to put her infiltration skills to use... in a situation that won't end in bloodshed for once.

"Darling, it may look dead out here." Constantine strides forward in his black and red striped suit, snapping his fingers with a confidant wink. A spark of his magic rises from his hand and races into the catacombs, igniting torches along each wall. "But it's got a real charm to it on the inside." He tries taking her hand, but she swats it away with a smile.

"Well you better not be all talk," She turns up her nose, at something only she can smell and saunters inside. "This is my first night off in... nearly seven years. I'll be pretty mad, if this is a waste of my time."

"Don't worry luv," He assures her with a confidant smirk, strutting into the ancient stone corridor behind her. "You'll only be pretty tonight."

"He's good, as much as it pains me to admit it." Artemis pokes at Roy, who borrowed my Roxbury suit and rejoined us. "Connor only got M'gann, because he knows before he pisses her off. Watch John and learn, or you'll die alone."

She loops arms with Kon, the two in a matching navy blue suit and cocktail dress. Ignoring the odour they can now also smell, they leave a fuming Roy behind and head inside next.

"Why is she always so mean to me?" Roy grabs my arm and frowns. "What did you do to her, before you got the face lift?"

"He got her house blown up and she and her mom had to go into witness protection." M'gann answers for me, since I was leaving only an awkward silence.

"Show her you aren't me," Groaning at Cameron's laughter, I do my best to help him improve relations. "She'll get over it fast, once you tell jokes that are funny and don't blow any computers up."

"Staying out of the hospital will help as well." M'gann hides her giggles behind her hand and rushes inside with a chuckling Lena and confused Koriand'r.

"What kind of reputation," Roy scowls at me, as we take up the rear. "Have you been creating for us?" The torches each going out as we pass them.

"Uh..." I take a moment to consider the question and really consider how my actions have come across to my friends. "Accident prone and bad with technology. My programming made me aggressive and impulsive before that."

"So what..." Roy glares at me, as we finally catch up to the others. "I have to be a nerd or some kind of quiet jock, if I want to have my own identity?"

"Well Jim kind of went the strong silent type route already," I add and Roy barks out a frustrated laugh.

"I'm the oldest brother, but I got last pick." He shakes his head and realizes we're not moving. "What's the hold up?"

"Jade's making friends with the bouncer," Growls Artemis and our friends part so we can see the spectacle.

A nearly nine foot tall ogre with mottled brown skin and a fancy black suit, is playing dice with a crowing Jade. She's clearly winning and doesn't seem to care, or notice the bouncer's growing anger.

<Let her keep her winnings and don't make a big deal out of it,> I open a mental link with the ogre, trying to avoid any violence. <And I'll give you triple what she takes.> When the ogre grins deviously, I realize I may have misjudged his intelligence.

"Jade hurry up, I want to see who's singing." Her sister grabs her arm and frowns.

"Sorry Boris," Jade relents and scoops her cash up. "Maybe we can play again, when I go out for a smoke." He glances at me and I nod slowly, so he smiles widely.

"Of course miss Jade, I eagerly await a chance to make my money back." His well spoken manner, makes me certain I was stereotyping. I realize in a fight, that could have gotten me killed. "Enjoy your night at Pan's."

He grabs a handle on the massive round door and rolls the shimmering silver, into a slot in the wall. Inside is a well lit room, that looks like a barroom version of the M.C Esher painting.

Stairs lead down to a bar, with a werewolf behind the counter. He's serving drinks with a wild energy, to a group of giggling leprechaun girls.

Directly above the bar on what should be the ceiling, is a dance floor with a band on stage. A satyr, centaur, and some human with backwards legs, are on the instruments and some kind of nymph is singing.

Stairs leading into directions that shouldn't be possible, end up at secluded seating on the towering walls. I can recognize goblins at one booth, are jeering at a dancer who is shifting between the bodies of celebrities.

A trio of hags are acting as the waitresses and giving a very uncouth, yet incredibly amusing service. They berate every single patron they serve, but the patrons accept the words with a smile and tip well.

One sideways area on the wall, has a sphinx with a circle of assorted drunks around herself. Her trivia is clearly heard over the music, as soon as I focus on her in specific. It must be some form of enchantment, because the acoustics could never do that.

"Order what you want, I'll grab us one of the good tables." Constantine informs the others casually and grabs my arm, leading me down one of the side stairwells.

"What are the exact terms of your deal with Isis," John throws me into the booth and slides in across from me, M'gann boxing me in between themselves. "Because you generally only have a year and a day with the whole mystically bargain thing, before the consequences set in."

"Become a father, for each life I personally take." I think back on who's deaths I'm responsible for. "So I think I need two more kids." Neither laugh, but John lets out a half smile.

"What else?" He presses and I know M'gann put him up to this, she's really been worried about my impulsiveness.

"Look after the Amazons of Bana Migdhall and they're already building a new city on Santa Prisca." I sigh when M'gann pokes me in the ribs and continue explaining. "Bring life to places that are desolate, stop Grail from meeting her father, and give people who genuinely seek it a chance at redemption."

"Could have been a lot worse," John remarks lightly, his eyes darting between M'gann and I. "But you two should probably have a talk about the whole kids thing."

"We will," M'gann assures me with a firm voice and then leans her head on my shoulder, enjoying the music of ancient Rome. "But not tonight."

"No skin off my nose, just my friendly advice." He checks the stairs, making sure no one else has arrived. "Now I'm going to need you to look after Rachel for awhile, I need to check some very unsavoury places for information on her dad's plans.

"Since that involves the safety of the world," I make an offer, since Waller and Grodd have both been offered a place on the Justice League. "Why don't you join the Doom Patrol and lead it with Jade?"

Alarms start to blare and patrons begin stampeding for the exit, as a section of stone glows red. It quickly melts through the magically warded rock wall and reveals a glowing red figure, in a by now familiar uniform.

The Gordanian Red Lantern cuts of his gout of corrosive flame and roars. Once his arrival is announced, his eyes lock onto Kon and he rockets towards him.

Kon see's the angry approach, while he's on the dance ceiling with Artemis and shields her with his body. He shrieks in agony, as the red plasma collides with his back.



Artemis Crock
Rome
January 15, 2011
11:22 PM, CEST


As soon as Kon throws me to the side, I'm reaching for my concealed daggers. By the time I land in a crouch, I'm ready with both drawn. Kon's shriek of agony, has me roar in anger and charge at the glowing red lizard person.

It snarls in pain when I land on it's back, driving each of my daggers into his admittedly tick hide. I slide through the flesh like butter and drop to the floor in a shower of blood.

"Get away from him!" My roar is met by one of the alien's own and then he smacks me with a blast of red energy.

It throws me off the dance floor and my entire sense of gravity shifts, when I reach a certain height. Once I get to close to another section, it's gravity pulls me in and slams me into the table.

"Sorry ladies, but you really should get out of here." The group of leprechauns shriek in terror and leap over the balcony, hopefully to safety.

A shadow descends on me, so I roll backwards in the nick of time. A torrent of the red plasma is vomited down on me, from the snarling jaws of the reptilian.

For an alien skilled enough to reach our planet, I'm surprised by the complete lack of constructs. Even my mother was more creative than this, mere moments after slipping on Alan's ring.

I don't really have time to judge my attacker's technique, because I'm hard pressed to stay alive. Each of his blasts is raw and unformed, but not lacking in power.

"Move!" Lena roars from below and I dive away from the Red Lantern. Lena crashing through the plasma being belched at her, with the silver door as her shield and ram.

It works well enough and almost half of her makeshift weapon remains, when she smashes him into a bloody paste beside me. She gives me an apologetic smile and winces at my body covered in blood splatter.

"Sorry about that," Lena tries to apologize to me, but my anger at this alien overpowers me.

"How is Kon?" Interrupting her, I demand an answer.

"He's alive, but that red stuff did some serious damage..." She trails off and my heart pounds in my ears.

The melted disc of silver shifts and I tense, but I can't react in time. A flash of ruby light rockets towards me and slides onto my finger.

I scream in pain, as my veins ignite in burning rage and I feel my heart begin to ignite in passion. I start to cough and I know I should be concerned when I see blood on my hand, but I'm just so damn angry.

"Artemis..." I can barely hear Lena, over the thunder in my ears. "Are you alright?"

I don't answer with words, only letting a savage snarl escape my lips and shooting into the air. My rage is like an aura of blazing red and it makes my flight come easily.

It takes a few brief seconds and I'm beside the twitching body of Kon. His skin and muscle have been eaten into, exposing the bone of his right arm and one of his ribs. My anger that I know could level a city, is unable to do anything for him.

"Kon..." I mumble to myself and lose myself in anger, my vision fading to red.



Roy Harper
Rome
January 15, 2011
11:31 PM, CEST


All day I've felt useless. I had to run at the mall and didn't make it back before the action was over with. Now I was helpless to save Kon, being forced to watch him writhe in pain from across the massive gap to the ceiling.

All I can do is hope. Hope that the guy who gave me back my life, is able to do something in the face of my uselessness.

When I see Artemis land beside her fallen friend, I can't help but feel hope. Those rings are supposed to be able to do anything, Oliver said so many times on team ups with Hal.

Artemis doesn't seem to have the practice yet, because she roars in anguish and shines like a miniature red sun. She floats into the air and begins blasting away at everything in sight.

Her anguished rage, has caused her to lose her grip on the moment and now she's a danger to everyone in the club.

I need to do something, because otherwise... why did I insist on coming. I want to prove I deserve my life back, because Connor's done a pretty good job with it so far.

While I look for a weapon of any kind, I don't see the sapphire object hit me. I do however, see it shine a brilliant blue and hear it speak to me.

"Roy Harper of Earth. You have the ability to feel great Hope." I guess I do, considering the fact that I refused to give up. It's the only thing that kept me going with no memories. "Will you help spread it?" The ring's voice is light and feminine, kind of like a kind grandmother.

"Can I help her and Kon?" I have to know, because all I have right now is Hope.

"Yes." The ring assures me and I hold out my hand.

"Then I Hope this works out, because now you're stuck with me." I agree to the offer and feel my body surge with calmness.

A blue glow surrounds me and then my clothing is replaced with a generic Blue Lantern uniform. With my faith in the ring's promise, I rise into the air and soar towards the dance ceiling.

"Keep her from killing anyone!" I yell behind me and can only Hope I was heard by someone capable of doing the deed.

Kon is moaning on the floor, his blood staining the hardwood beneath him. I waste no time and land, dropping to my knees beside him.

"I'm here Kon. I'm going to do... something." I think hard and Hope the ring has an answer.

"Watch and learn my boy," The voice very much like Betty White, calmly reassures me and guides me in the procedure.

"Whoa..." I exclaim in aw, as tendrils of blue light connect to Superboy. "I hope this means I won't be sidelined now."

"I doubt it." Jade slides to a stop beside us and watches with an unreadable emotion on her face, but I can feel my ring charge the slightest fraction. "You Rainbow Rangers, are kind of big leagues."

"Well the blue ranger was the nerd and he had a triceratops robot," I laugh at how things seem to work out. "Maybe I really should embrace this fresh start."

"You going to be able to do something about my sister?" She whispers beside me and glances upwards.

"I Hope so," I mutter and I can sigh in relief, as Kon looks almost as good as new. It'll always look like a faint rash on the parts I had to regrow, but it should mostly fade in a few months.

"Well. You're definitely an excellent medic," Remarks Jade with amazement, while she pokes at Kon's new skin. "If they don't want you on the Titans, you can have Jim's place on the Doom Patrol. Him and Maxima are leaving soon and I'll need some replacements."

"Ring, uh..." I start to ask and then realize I'm not sure what I need to do. "How do we stop a Red Lantern from going rage crazy?"

"Reform the boiled blood into a heart," Betty Blue answers me immediately and I finally feel like I'm not facing the world alone. "Then you can remove the ring and cleanse the mind of residual anger."

"I'm counting on you," Jade informs me, her voice deadly serious. "You're brothers are based on you and both impressed me. This is your chance to show us all you wont be a shadow trailing after everyone, but be a beacon to follow."

"No pressure right?" Snorting at her lack of laughter, I lift off once again and cautiously approach the battling women.

Lena, Kori, and M'gann, are the only others able to fly and are trying to contain Artemis safely. They aren't doing well, as the crumbling stonework can attest to. If they don't hit her hard enough, the attacks don't even phase the ruby rager.

"Hold her as still as you can!" Yelling out my plan, I watch the trio do so with relief. "I got to rebuild her heart!"

What the hell does that mean!" Kon roars beside me, already recovered and floating nearby.

"The red rings make you so hot, your blood boils the heart and prevents an easy removal." My words have him growl angrily, but Lena is the one who answers.

"No duh," Her voice is tense, as she strains with Artemis' left arm. "Only my mom can live without one and maybe the Brain."

"Grab the ring now!" I roar, as I finally get the blood into the proper shape. "I can't hold this for long!"

M'gann tears the ring from Artemis' hand and sails towards Connor and John. I see Constantine pocket the ring, before Kon forces my attention back on his girlfriend.

"Is she going to be okay." I can feel his Hope charge my ring and soon it makes a leap in power, as the rest of the heroes observe me.

"Yeah, she's just going to have a fever for a day or two." He sighs in relief when I repeat the rings words and I Hope this isn't a sign of worse things to come.
 
Episode 12: Planting Seeds
Episode 12: Planting Seeds
Santa Prisca
January 16, 2011
9:01 AM, CST


"My people are having a hard time reading you," I open with irritated praise of her skill, but Pamela Isley doesn't seem to take any pride in this.

Her normal green tint, has become an unhealthy brownish yellow and her hair looks to be falling out in clumps. She scowls at me, her body shaking with muscle spasms the entire conversation.

"So it's up to me..." I stop talking until she meets my firm stare and then I finally carry on, with a stern voice. "To see if we can work out a rehabilitation program for you."

"Like your pet Grodd?" She snorts derisively and tries to take a scornful position in her chair. "Pass. I have self respect." The tremors her body is going through make the effect negligible, but I can respect her spirit. She really feels like I'm a horrible person and just another part of the global problem called humanity.

"I believe you mean Duke Grodd." My correction has her widen her eyes in shock and her mind reels with confusion. "He earned his title, so please respect it."

"He was telling the truth..." Ivy trails off and she thinks back on what she has seen, her mind leaking frustration.

"Queen Bee had a way to control anyone who was attracted to women." I snap her out of her thoughts, by going right to the answer. "So we don't really have a concrete way to know if you chose your actions freely, or if she was a source of major influence."

"Why does it matter?" The plant woman growls, her voice creaking like dry wood.

"Well I need to know if you're criminally responsible, or if you need conditional care." If she's being misled or fully on board with the Light, will decide what deal I offer in the end.

"How does that make a difference?" She glares at me with tired eyes. "Belle Reve or Arkham, either way I'm locked in a cell."

"I only send away the real sickos," I assure the woman shaking like the last leaf on the tree. "Or political terrorists, but neither apply to you."

"So why are you here?" She's sick, but not stupid and knows I'm working up to something.

"You get to make a choice." I slid over the legal documents for her, but explain the gist of it. "Do you want to go live with on Themyscira and serve your sixty years with the Amazons? Do you want to work it off with the Doom Patrol, or would you like to work on my reforestation projects?"

"What do you have planned?" She's curious and leans forward in her chair.

"I know plans will begin soon, to create a kilometre wide barrier of trees around the Sahara's expansion." I explain my concern and she nods with serious conviction. "I bonded with Isis, you know the Goddess your boss was looking for. So now I need to bring life back to places lacking in flora and fauna."

"So I will work off my 'crimes'," She snorts at the last word. "Growing this forest for the rest of my life?"

"Of course not," I laugh at the idea, because that would be a waste of resources. "We should have this done in a few weeks. I'm fertilizing the ground and you're going to release seeds of all kinds, the plants will grow quickly and be a barrier within days of planting."

"Then I'm free?" She asks and I have to shake my head no.

"No. The Doom Patrol gets years off for each mission, but they risk life and limb." Ivy can go with them, but she didn't seem interested earlier. "You'll get a year off, for each country we grow a forest in."

"Sixty forests, before I'm free..." She smiles and considers the deal.

"Well the Sahara one covers like eleven countries," I remind her of the geography, because I don't think she recognizes human borders. "So that will be a big chunk all at once."



Mali
January 22, 2011
2:28 PM, UTC


"This is going faster than even I thought," I call up to M'gann, who's piloting her Bio-ship over the sand. "We're already over Mali, two days ahead of schedule."

Ivy and I are on the extended ramp, each tied onto the ship for safety. She sends out a shower of the seeds she selected and I make each plant grow strong, with the fertility powers I'm beginning to grasp.

It's even had beneficial effect on Doctor Isley, her foliage has retaken a green hue and is no longer drooping. It turns out that M'gann's new love of animals, is a great conversation point for the two on this extended mission.

Me and Pam will never be friends, but I find it hard to hate her when I was also controlled at one point. Her drive to protect nature, has been directed since day one. Once she was a globally recognized Eco-terrorist, the Light moved to recruit and control her.

Mammoth might not be able to verbalize his thoughts very well, but he's not stupid and due to his genetic modifications he remembers things like an elephant. He was around for enough of Bee's private discussions as her bodyguard, that we managed to piece most of Ivy's story together.

"I wish we could do this kind of thing to Mars," M'gann's voice is sombre, and I can sense her dwelling on thoughts of her uncle.

"Well who says we can't?" Ivy remarks casually, unaware of the mind control on Mars. "We're in a spaceship and I am still working off my time. I think making Mars green, should give me a clean record."

"I spread the mental infection to her uncle," I inform the half plant woman, my expression tight from guilt. "And then the Light sent him back to Mars, which has lead to a three way civil war."

"Oh..." Ivy is sad for M'gann, but doesn't really care about the other Martians.

"Yeah. so until we have a way to protect against a world of potentially hostile telepaths..." I trail off awkwardly and Ivy finishes my thought.

"It's not really feasible to go and check." She shakes her head and then whacks me with a vine. "Stop slacking off, this was your idea."

She's right and I shake me head free of the dismal thoughts, focusing on what I can do right now. I may be overcompensating for my earlier lapse, but I pour my divine energy into every single plant and encourage new life to grow.

"What ideas do you have so far?" Ivy keeps her voice low, so as not to alert M'gann and upset her more.

"We're working on robots to supplement a strike force." Sighing, I have to admit out lack of progress. "I'm not comfortable making artificial intelligence's, only to send them off to war. Mary-Jane is a gyndroid, so I would be a major hypocrite and this has impacted the combat abilities severely."

"I will admit," She concedes and it sounds like teeth are being pulled. "You do a better job than Queen Bee did, at keeping children off the battlefield and in school."

"Well technically I'm only four." I laugh at her perturbed look. "Lex Luthor's wife cloned me and I've really only been awake for like eight months now."

"I'm concerned for your subjects even more now." She shakes her head and ignores me for now, her emotions swirling with concern for M'gann.




Zatanna Zatara
Santa Prisca
January 26, 2011
1:09 PM, CST


"It's still so weird," Wally throws his arms in the air, looking around the courtyard of our new school in amazement. "We don't have to hide anything here, except the confidential mission stuff."

"We get to be normal teens with powers," Agreeing with him before he can really get his rant going, I look around at the other students. "We aren't supposed to talk about the hero stuff at school, but everyone still knows who we are."

"I'm cool here." Wally tosses his bag beside one of the picnic tables. "I never thought it would happen and my parents are excited about the chance to use my speed... in a non violent manner."

"I'm just glad it's Monday to Thursday," Dick steals one of the fries on Wally's plate and agrees with his words. "Gives me four whole days away from home."

"Dude..." My blue haired boyfriend shakes his head sadly and sighs. "You and your dad need to get over this."

"He needs to stop getting my friends to spy on me!" Dick roars in anger and rises. "I can't believe even you would do this to me."

"You can't believe I would care about my best friend?" Wally is shocked and starting to let his own anger boil over. "Dude! All I can see, is you pulling away from all of us and you won't even tell us why."

"You wouldn't understand." Growls out the boy wonder, fully settled into his defensive stance.

"Of course not!" Artemis joins Wally in the dressing down. "You haven't told us what's wrong or how we can help. All you do is grunt all day and vanish after training with Donna."

"The Atom lets us handle his normal patrols of Toronto," Dick is nearly snarling in frustration. "They trust me to pull my own weight and don't treat me like a child."

It's ironic, because that it's exactly what is being done. Until he acts more mature and admits what's bothering him, Owlman did ask us to not vote him Team leader. We all agreed, because until he can communicate better nobody wants him in charge.

"Well we are kids," Wally defends is point fiercely. "And I'm terrified now that I'm back. It was so easy to grab Captain Atom and just run, but now I have to live with the choice I made."

"His mom nearly forced him out of the costume," I add like we planned, so if Dick is mad at Wally he might still talk to me. "Dad wants me to stay on the Superfriends, so you aren't the only one with an overprotective parent." I don't really mind because after last year, I'm not sure if this is the life I really want anymore.

"Every time I run now, I have to stop myself from going to fast," Wally admits to Dick, who needs vulnerability from us. "Or I don't know if I'll ever stop again."

"You don't have to push us away too," Softly, but firmly I make my message heard. "We're friends and we all need to lean on each other."

"We both killed someone," Artemis adds with an unusually tender voice. "And I still have nightmares about it, so please talk to us."



Rachel Roth
Santa Prisca
January 26, 2011
5:18 PM, CST


"Your uncle should be back in a few more days," Miss M'orzz informs me, when I arrive home from school with her kids. "His report said they have a solid lead in Vlatava and are investigating something called the Wildebeest Society."

"Is Doctor Isley eating with us again?" I ask for Garfield, who is squirming at the sight of her.

"Yes." M'gann explains awkwardly. "I know it's uncomfortable, but she has been controlled since her first stay in Arkham."

"I know you're mad about what she did to me." Connor reaches over and ruffles Garfield's hair. "But I already got her back for that, so now she gets the same chance as everyone else. Besides, she was being controlled, I can't blame anyone for that."

"I wasn't controlled," She corrects him with an embarrassed scowl. "But I was given experimental treatments to reverse my transformation. Dubbilex's examination of my genetics, found this reduced my ability to rationalize my actions."

"So yes she did commit those crimes," Adds M'gann, while Ivy lowers her head in shame. "But she lacked the ability to resist her impulses."

"She isn't sick like the Joker was," Connor firmly declares his stance on the matter. "People like him revel in the darkness and don't want treatment."

"Whatever," Garfield finally concedes, rolling all eight of his eyes and taking a seat to do his homework.

"It's easier for everyone staying in the tower to have shared meals," Connor scolds him. "We have nearly thirty people with the Critter Kids, it's not fair on the staff to serve two meals."

"If you can get over it..." Garfield mumbles and finally looks at Ivy. "Mom always told me to give people a second chance, so I'll give you one." For an eight year old, he has some serious conviction in his voice.

"Are you liking school?" The Martian foster mother asks, leaning over Garfield's shoulder and pointing out a mistake in his math. "Making friends with anyone?"

"Victor's pretty funny and Cassandra's in my class, so it's not too bad." He admits and frowns at his problem, confused by the division. "Mary-Jane let's us sit with her and her friends at lunch, so people think we're cool too."

"It's a school of people with powers, intelligent apes, and some aliens." Connor remarks, his voice losing the tension from earlier. "Everyone thinks they are the weird one and really no one is normal, so don't worry about it."

"Easy for you to say," I remark sarcastically. "You're apparently a god of some kind, according to John."

"Whoa..." Garfield exclaims in awe, his pencil clattering to the floor. "Really? Now that really is awesome, everyone at school will be so jealous." He mutters the last part to himself and I don't think his foster parents heard.

"Like half the Titans are..." Connor defends himself with a playful smirk on his face. "I'm just the only one who knows what my responsibilities are. So I have to follow through on them."


Dick Grayson
Toronto
January 26, 2011
10:42 PM, EDT


"You better call it a night," Ray Palmer looks up at the clock and groans. "It's a school night and I got a meeting with my boss in the morning. Besides, Donna already went home."

"But we only got in one fight tonight," I complain even as Khaji screams a warning in my ears. "Why do we hav-" My voice cuts off, as Khaji covers me in his armoured carapace and I see the problem with the sonar imagining.

"Hostiles!" I throw myself forward and tackle Ray out of the way, as a section of the ceiling explodes and crashes down on her previous location. A father and daughter known as Deathstroke and the second Ravager, drop inside with swords drawn.

Immediately behind them is Heatwave from Central City, and the Rat Catcher from Gotham. Atom's ability to shrink is nearly useless, in the face of dozens of gnashing teeth and noses capable of sniffing him out.

"Grab both if we can," Deathstroke instructs his team and charges for me. "But Atom is the one the Brainiac wants, so the bug boy is a only a bonus."

My arms morph into jagged blades and I begin trading blows with the snarling assassin. He is nearly as skilled as my dad, which means I have to fight dirty.

Expelling a cloud of flammable dust, I leap away from Deathstroke and watch it ignite from the exposure to oxygen. His bellow of pain, is followed by a volley of exploding throwing knives.

Heatwave hasn't joined the fight directly, instead sending flames into the walls and ceiling. As the smoke blocks my sight of the others, I lock my gaze on Ravager and throw myself at her.

We smash through the weakening floor and tumble into a basement filled with old paperwork. The flow of air from our descent, spreads the flames almost instantly and leaves us trapped in a raging inferno.

"I'd be angry about the lose of a second child, but this one at least took you with her. Bruce will be devastated." Deathstroke taunts from above, before turning away and dropping something down on us. "I can live with this trade and if enough of her remains, I'll be given use of a Pit." He takes off in a dead sprint, as his delivery descends and I realize it's a sack of dynamite.



Rose Wilson
Toronto
January 26, 2011
10:49 PM, EDT


I know what is coming, I've seen this a dozen times already and know I only have one way to escape this fate. Searching to my left, I reach through the smoke and grasp the warming metal. Brandishing the crowbar I step towards Blue Beetle's back and thrust it forward.

He jerks to the side, as I shove the metal bar into the ground and heave. The access shaft is exposed and I throw myself forward. In his confusion, my target is easy to hit and we both go tumbling below.

The explosion rocks the building above us. The preset explosives set off a chain reaction and the entire structure comes down on top of the sewer. As the ground shakes around me and debris tumbles through the access shaft, Blue Beetle stalks towards me.

"You saved me..." His voice is younger than I expected when he speaks, as his bladed arms become hands again. "Why?"

"You just saw how easily my father just threw me aside." I stare him down, my left eye boring through his face plate. "Imagine seeing that several times a day for a week and knowing nothing I did, would change his mind."

We both flinch, when the tremors of the collapse above come and nearly knocks us off our feet. He hesitates for a moment and I can hear him mutter quietly to himself, but eventually he offers me a hand.

I reach for it, even though I know what he's going to do and force myself not to tense. He grabs my wrist and pulls my towards him, hooking a set of handcuffs onto me.

"I'll need to bring you in for interrogation." He waits for me to react, but this is the most direct path to my goal and so I feign submission.

"I figured." Scoffing at the obvious, I allow him to lead me towards an available exit and listen to his report.

"Blue Beetle here," His voice is stressed out but maintains a steady rhythm. "Deathstroke just kidnapped the Atom and blew up his lab." He goes silent for a moment, while his allies respond.

We turn a corner and he gestures for me to climb the ladder first. Taking a moment to see if I slip, I do as instructed and begin my ascent.

"Don't worry SK, I made it out before the boom and I even got his kid." Blue Beetle follows me up. "We'll be able to find out where they took him and get him back safe." By now we know how they have been cracking the prisoners for information and I only have need to know details.




Jade Nguyen
Vlatava
January 27, 2011
3:22 AM, MSK


John's lead, actually paid off and led us to a cliff side manor, overlooking the Black Sea with a breathtaking view. Horned cultists in vomit green robes, leave a trail of cloven hoof tracks from the village below.

"It doesn't look like anyone else is coming up the road." Love Machine keeps his voice low, but avoids the easier to hear sound of a whisper. "Everyone is in position, we can move whenever you need us."

"We'll signal for you, as soon as we find anything worthwhile." John lets the cyborg know and casts his disillusionment spell, his body fading from view and leaving only a faint outline.

Following him across the lawn, I can only frown each time he makes me stop. To my expert eyes everything is fine, but he chants in a variety of languages and breaks through a tangible force.

"These folk really don't want to be noticed." John's British brogue comes out in a cocky whisper. "Which only makes me more curious."

"Give me a boost." He nods and presents his cupped hands, lifting me onto the roof of the manor. "No lights are on up here," I let him know what I see on the second floor, reaching down and hoisting him up behind me.

"So that means everyone is in the basement." He understands and removes the magic on one of the windows, lifting it open afterwards. "Keep your nose out, for anything that smells like blood."

Inside the window, it is revealed to be a bedroom covered in a think layer of dust. Chanting from below, carries through the vents and provides an eerie moan to the building.

"Stay close," He warns me with a hiss and pulls me back into him, when I get near a dresser.

Before I have a chance to snap at him, a swarm of spiders covers the wood and he raises a finger to his lips. Leading me around the summoned arachnids, we exit the room and listen for anyone nearby.

"Do you smell that?" He asks and I do, nearly gagging when I nod yes.

"It smells horrible, what is it?" I hiss at him and slide on a version of my Cheshire mask, only this one has reversed colours.

"Let's find out." He grabs the doorknob and unlocks it magically, twisting it open soundlessly.

Inside is a copper wash basin, nearly over flowing with black bubbling blood. Runes written in blood cover the walls and paint a dark idea of how many people would need to provide it.

"What are they doing with all this blood?" I ask despite my inner dread and John's eyes are alight in anger.

"Control scheme," He spits, before beginning to wipe away some of the runes. "They have power over anyone who provided a blood sample, whether it was a willing donor or not."

"How many people does it look like this covers?" My voice manages to conceal my disgust, as I grab for the silver chain in the tub.

"At least a thousand people, maybe even two." He gives the okay, so I yank the plug free and the blood begins to gurgle down the drain. "They're getting ready to revolt."

A scream from downstairs interrupts our discussion and then cuts off as suddenly as it began. We share a glance of concern and I reach for my radio.

"We got at least one captive in here," The Doom Patrol doesn't waste time on chatter, following the plan we already came up with. "Hit the basement, we'll meet you downstairs."

John reaches for his pocket and then hesitates, going for a different one at the last second. He removes a jagged stone knife and tests the weight.

"Maybe you should upgrade from the stone age." He scowls at my remark and shakes his head.

"This is special made for carving cultists," He smirks and holds it up to my eyes, revealing white runes carved into it. "Any power not from this dimension, will offer man no resistance."

"So it's great for cultists and anyone being possessed." I realize and he gives me a cocky wink. "But a brittle piece of rock on anything else."

"Basically yeah." John laughs quietly and hands me a second shale dagger. "So try to only hit the soft spots, I'm running out of these and won't be back in Ireland for a long time." His eyes are sad, even though his words are carefree and that means something juicy happened.

As soon as I kick the basement door of it's hinges, I yank John forward with me and ride the wood down the stairs. He manages to stay in a balanced crouch, while we surprise the two dozen cultists.

I drop two before they react to our presence and by then I'm tearing through them. John keeps me covered from the bolts of fire and lightning, shielding me and leaving me free to kill the goatmen in green robes.

I don't get to enjoy our victory for long, because my entire sense of gravity is stolen by a gesture from the leader and I collapse feebly. Walking forward, he removes his hood and reveals the rotting face of Count Vertigo.


M'gann M'orzz
Santa Prisca
January 27, 2011
6:07 AM, MSK


Sliding out of bed, I phase through the wall and float down to the patio attached to the living room. Getting nestled in the wicker chair, I allow myself to enjoy the sunrise and think.

We still have a red Martian in a coma and my entire planet is in the middle of a civil war. I'm safe here on Earth, but my family is in danger and I haven't heard from them in months. It's moments like these, that really make me understand how much has been thrust on me.

Connor is great, but so much happened and I just don't feel ready to be a mom. He adjusted so quickly, because it really is just like a smaller team.

For me, every day I wake up and less of Marie's memories are present. I can't remember when Garfield's birthday is anymore. I still care about him, but I know my training wheels aren't going to last much longer and I'm terrified.

Being a normal parent is hard enough, but we have to worry about constant super villain attacks and we've already lost friends. The stress of keeping him safe and happy, is something I thought I would have time to prepare for.

My life has changed so much in a single year and it's time to stop acting like a highschooler. I'm the oldest one of our friends and it's time I acted like it.

Connor is constantly on edge, having to make all the hard choices for everyone and I should be helping him with it. It's been nice working so closely with him the last week, so I need to involve myself more in the decision making from now on.

Mind made up, I rise from my seat and glide towards the beach. Pamela should be awake by now, getting the next batch of seeds ready and so I approach the hedge maze that conceals her garden.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of such an early morning visit?" She greets me warmly, but remains hunched over a mound of dirt. "We aren't supposed to leave for hours still."

"I'm tired of being a passenger and only reacting to life." I give a firm stare and press forward. "I need to hurry up, or this choice will be gone too."

"I assume you have need of my services." It's not a question, but I nod yes anyway.

"I need a pair of crowns made of Snakewood, along with a tiara and circlet." I explain and hope Connor isn't mad about this. "I'm also going to need two rings with empty sockets."

"Oh..." Her eyes go wide in realization and then she gives me a tight smile. "Good for you." I know I wont be able to read her mind without serious effort, which is what makes her so intriguing to me.

"Thanks, when do you think they'll be ready?" Struggling not to blush with excitement, I keep focused on what I still need to do. "I'll need the rings first of course. I shouldn't be presumptuous about something like this."

"You spend how much of each day in his head?" Pam snorts and extends a hand forward. "You're allowed to make some assumptions."

"You're just lucky Kobra was importing the seeds, or this would be a lot harder." She smirks at me as the rustling of a vine approaches and she grabs twin bands of wood. "Are these good?"

"They're perfect..." I reach for them with shaking hands, as what I'm planning to do feels real. "Thank you."





7:38 AM, MSK

"You want me to do what?" Kaldur stares at me with a confused expression on his..

"Dive for the sunken pirate ship off the North coast, grab the biggest jewel you can find on board, and give it to Kon." My answer only leaves him with more questions, so it's a good thing I'm he Answer. "He's going to blast it with his love vision and Zatanna will bond it with the wood magically."

"You know the treasure remains?" His amused smile, shows he has caught on to my plan. "I would have thought it claimed by Bane."

"It was," My response has him chuckle at air breathers. "He used it as his royal treasury."

"Why don't you retrieve it then?" His words make sense, but I shake my head no.

"It will mean more, if I get our friends to help with this and so I want you to pick the shiny rock." I may love Earth, but the obsession over rocks is still an oddity for me.

"And she needs to act normal," Artemis explains with a calculating look. "Which means I need to go get ready and cover flight detail today.

"You'd do that for me?" Exhaling in relief, I grab her in a tight hug.

"Someone needs to keep the idiot distracted." Accepting my embrace, she grunts out a teasing remark. "And I have the most flight time after you two, so that means me."

"Besides he'll know something is up if you go," Kon adds, stroking the few hairs on his chin in thought. "You two have been sharing head space since July, so it's better to keep you separate until he gets back tonight."

"Wont he have to check on Rose's interrogation?" Artemis remembers the prisoner Dick brought in last night.

"No," Explains Kaldur. "The League will be handling the case, as we would when one of us is captured."

"I guess that's okay," She scowls, but concedes to the fairness of it. "Atom is one of them." After a moment of silence, she realizes something and leans in to whisper. "You're going to ask me to be the Maid of Honour... right?"

"Zatanna might have something to say about that," We share a giggle at my remark and she defends herself as a choice.

"Well she's only making some magic glue," Artemis has a confidant smirk, as if she knows I've already made a choice and I only need an excuse for our other friends. "I'm keeping your elongated man busy and I'm even going to make sure we do a longer flight, so you'll have until seven tonight."

"Am I not also made of honour?" Kaldur asks, a hurt look on his face. "Why am I not also in consideration, or Kon?"

"Uh..." Artemis tries not laugh, while my eyes dart back and forth between the Atlantean and Kryptonian. "On the surface-" Kaldur's own laughter, makes me realize he's only teasing.

"Oh... you had me for a second," She jabs a finger into his rib, which Kaldur doesn't react to.

"My skin is to dense for a poke like that, same as Kon." Kaldur smiles down at her, his voice amused. "You know this my friend."

"Yeah, but at least my boyfriend pretends." She scowls up at Kaldur and exhales through her nose slowly.

"Then perhaps it is him, you should have prodded." I let a giggle slip at his words, which has Artemis throw up her hands in defeat.

"Whatever." Turning to me, she gives a firm farewell. "Just make sure you get everything done before we get back, I'm not spending a second day with only Connor and Ivy in a confined space."



Jade Nguyen
Vlatava
January 27, 2011
3:55 AM, MSK


"The notorious Constantine," Vertigo rasps and steps forward, his remaining followers move to restrain the pair of us. "You will be an excellent first step, in repaying Brother Blood for my second chance at life.

"You should have gotten a better deal," Groaning on the ground beside me, John manages to keep his gaze focused on the rotting face and snark back. "You look like crap."

"That is no way to speak to the soon to be King of Vlatava." Vertigo's face contorts in a grimace. "You have just made the traitor's death... much more painful."

Knowing he means me, I exhale and close my eyes. My sense of balance is gone, but my other senses are still functioning. Centring myself, I rely on my years of ingrained training and let my sai fly through the air.

With a wet 'thunk', the weapon impales his throat. His gargling rasps are a relief, because I can already feel my brain stop spinning.

"Nice throw." John laughs darkly when I finally look ahead.

"I just wanted him to shut up." Grinning with raw savagery, I shove him backwards and drive my remaining blade into a charging cultist.

"Something is keeping him intelligent," The Brit explains with a grunt, while he avoids a thrust from yet another goatman. "So we need to carve it out of him, or he won't stay down."

"Let battle be joined!" The welcome roar of Maxima, precedes a blast of violet energy that strikes my foe and clears my path to Vertigo.

"Sorry we took so long!" Love Machine provides covering fire, letting me know why they are alone. "The others are dealing with the goats."

"More of the goatmen?" John clarifies, while I rush towards the Count.

"No!" Bellows Maxima in response, cleaving one such foe in half with her axe. "A herd of fire breathing beasts was released, each the size of Otis."

Vertigo barely blocks my first attack and is left open for my followup. I pin his sword arm to his thigh and take him down with a leg sweep.

"Where do I start digging?" I growl at the Magician.

"Heart, brain, or liver." He explains grimly. "It has to be one of the three, for the kind of autonomy that ghoul has."

I almost feel sorry for the zombie face of Count Vertigo, he looks so pathetic trying to hold his neck in place. I don't want to have to look him in the eyes while I do this, so I finish the job and severe his head completely.

"You can check the brain then." Throwing the still blinking head back at John, I laugh at his gagging noises.

"Then I claim the heart!" Maxima tosses the last cultist aside, striding towards me and the body. "For I made the most kills."

"Because I was trying to take at least one prisoner dear." Jim smiles indulgently at his wife and enters the basement, checking the bodies for life.

"You weren't crippling them for me?" She sounds almost hurt by this fact.

"I know you don't need my help," Jim's eyes go wide and I can see him thinking fast. "A warrior as great as you, should face her foes at full strength." She considers his words with a frown on her face, while she digs through Vertigo's chest cavity.

"Because the Earthlings have no record of my deeds," She finally smiles widely and removes the black heart of the Count. "You are allowing me to prove my valour, so your world knows the value of an alliance with Almerrac"

"Exactly." He shrugs at me over Maxima's kneeling body, as she rips the heart open and a small red shard clatters to the ground.

"I think we got a winner." I grab the fragment of glowing ruby and wipe it clean on a cultist's robe.



Artemis Crock
Mali
January 27, 2011
5:28 AM, UTC


Is this what I can expect in a few years, working all day and taking in the kids of those who die because of us? I may tease him all the time, but Connor really isn't an idiot. He's just impulsive and thinks he's responsible for everything. Which I guess he kind of is, considering the fact that he's royalty and keeps offering the refugees we find a place to live.

He's only a few years older than me mentally, but I can really only count a handful of times that he's cut loose and just had fun. It's really only when he's able to get a minute alone with one of the kids, or I see him smile at M'gann like a dope.

It's weird. for someone with so many reasons to take a minute and just deal with the things on his plate, he just seems to march forward and pile more on top. I'm worried if he doesn't bend soon, he'll break and yes I know how ironic it is considering he's basically rubber.

"Cut out the rough flying," Poison Ivy demands from the ramp, her voice definitely sounding off. "I'm going to hurl, if you keep flying like this."

"Sorry," Calling down to her, I bring us lower and drop speed by a quarter. "Since you're going to be done Mali soon, what do you have planned for after this?"

"We're going to plant some new hybridized plants in Sochi, where that Meta-teen bathed the area in radiation." Connor answers with pride and I can't blame him, it is nice helping and not having to hurt someone for once.

"By then he thinks Dubbilex should have the Mammoths cloned and we can accelerate the Siberian grassland regrowth." Ivy snarks, but I can hear the eagerness in her voice. "I'm already not hating our bargain"

"Good, because Waller wanted bombs in each of your heads." I laugh when the ship goes silent at his remark and I only wish I could see both of their faces. "I managed to convince her it was a bad idea, but she keeps trying." I know he's lying, but his deadpan delivery is convincing.

"I have no idea what M'gann sees in you," Ivy retorts finally, her voice has a slight tremor again. "And I said slow down!"

"You really have a bossy prisoner." Grinning when I Ivy starts to curse a me, I make sure to have Connor's back and hit an air pocket. "Sorry." I call down at them with false sweetness, but don't mean it at all.

"I know, but M'gann likes the challenge of making a friend who's mind she can't read." Connor laughs and sends out a wave of raw joy when he says her name. "So I'll keep Doctor Isley around, at least until she works off her debt to society."

"Who died and made you king?" Ivy mumbles to herself, but the words carry and I snicker at the coming response.

"Bane did." His voice is flat and I can picture the awkward shrug he makes. "I ore out his throat wit my teeth."

"That was after you broke Kobra's back," I add and smirk at his awkward thanks.

"Yes... it was." His words are stilted, which means he's trying not to get distracted and start something with me. "I was trying to prove my point, not sound like an Arkham inmate."

"Well now you did both," Snickering to myself, I finally hit a smooth patch of air and let us get some work done.
 
Episode 13: Royal Responsibilities
Episode 13: Royal Responsibilities
M'gann M'orzz
Santa Prisca
January 27, 2011
2:47 PM, CST


<Everything is ready for tonight, or are my services required?> Dubbilex greets me with a knowing smirk, which means someone needs a refresher in how to keep information confidential.

<Almost. I just have one more thing I want to take care of first.> If I'm really going to propose, I'll be Queen and that means I may as well get started on the real responsibilities. <Where is Marvin's cell?>

<For what purpose?> The Vice President frowns at my request. <He is still unresponsive and incapable of being interrogated.>

<Connor's going to put it off until Artemis is ready to talk about what happened,> Explaining my reasons, he shrugs and begins leading me to the cell. <I really have nothing to do once the kids go to school and I have the most skill with this task. I should be pulling my own weight.>

<I will not turn away your offer of help.> Dubbilex leads me into an elevator and we start going down. <The Genomorphs may all be psychic, but those of us with real skill are becoming overwhelmed.>

<I guess that means I better make this a more permanent thing.> Frowning at the number of occupied cells, I follow Dubbilex into Marvin's room.

He's strapped down on a gurney and hooked up to life support. The constant beeping is kind of soothing, but looking at the monitors shows nearly no brain activity. It's kind of hard to imagine this scrawny kid, is the one who caused so much trauma.

The girls he had altered, have so far been resistant to any kind of remedy. We've been able to offer the families a chance to move here, but some have just abandoned the girls to our care.

I can't really comprehend such disregard for your own child, but Artemis and Richie have assured me it is all to common on Earth. Connor hasn't mentioned his parents from before Oliver took him in and now he can't even remember his life as Roy, so I can't use him as a guide for a normal human.

<Time to get started.> Sighing to myself, I take the only chair in the room and open my mind fully. <Can you come back for me at six please. I'll need time to freshen up after this.>

<Certainly and good luck.> Giving a half bow that he normally reserves for Connor, Dubbilex begins to leave the room.



M'gann M'orzz
Happy Harbour
October 31, 2010

?:?? PM, EDT

As soon as I enter Marvin's mind, I sense something else present and observing me. The mindscape is a grey-scale version of his old high school. It's dark and dreary even in the middle of the day, as a cold rain pours down on me.

Thick dark clouds blot out the sun, leaving the schoolyard covered in shadows and without any lights on. The area is empty of anyone visible, but I know someone or something is here with me. I hope it's the remnants of Marvin.

"You shouldn't be here," The school's loudspeaker announces, a boys solemn voice coming from all around me. "He'll make me hurt you."

"Who will!" Cupping my hands, I yell across the courtyard. "Marvin!" As I yell, I can sense something approaching. "Where are you?"

"Hide!" His terrified voice screeches at me over the speakers. "He's coming!"

A rumbling from above, followed by the roar of a lion and I realize to late I have already been seen. Looking up with rising dread, I can see the nearly black clouds above have formed a sneering face.

"You may not be the Amazon," Klarion's voice echoes across the mental terrain. "But at least I can pay your lover back, for killing my poor dear Teekl."

As the face in the clouds roars down at me, it begins to be lit from above with a dark purple glow. A hand forms with wicked looking claws continuing to extend and it stabs down at me.

<Don't let him use you like this,> I throw out a determined plea, hoping Marvin has enough of himself left to do something. <This is your mind so think of something happy!>

.
.
.

Everything vanishes in a bright yellow light. Red and blue explosions come next, revealing a night sky filled with fireworks. The boats on the water make me assume it's summer, but I'm not sure which holiday.

"Marvin?" The sound of soft sobs from nearby, has me lift off of the sand and float over the water. "It's okay, you got us away from him."

"He's going to come back," It's easy to find him in a red canoe, he's the only person in any of the boats. "He only left me alone, when I did what he wanted."

"What was that?" Sitting across from him, I place a tentative hand on his trembling shoulder.

"He made me hurt them," Marvin looks up with red ringed and puffy eyes. "I just wanted Alice back, but he wouldn't tell me who she was."

He starts to rock back and forth, pulling desperately on his hair. "He's going to ruin the world and he said if I helped him... I could keep her safe from him and his friends."

"What about all the other girls you took?" His words don't sound evil, but his actions raised a racket and so I have a hard time forgiving him.

"I made a deal for each task he needed me for," Marvin whispers and gestures for me to get low in the canoe, as a massive shadow passes over us. "I was saving them from the coming Chaos, but they wouldn't follow the rules and I had to punish them."

"Saving them?" Hissing back at the flinching brunette, I watch the roving dark cloud. "By kidnapping them and then changing them at a genetic level?"

"It was the only way to keep them safe, His voice is hollow and I can only see desperation and terror in his eyes. "A little bit of Chaos now and they'll fit in with the Wonderland Klarion is going to create. It was the only way to control the changes they would have."

"The Genomorphs haven't been able to reach you," I share what Dubbilex has told me and frown at Marvin. "Why won't you let them help you?"

"The demons?" Marvin jerks backwards and rocks the canoe. "If you weren't a pretty girl, I would have tried harder keeping you out of my head."

"They aren't demons, they're Martians that Klarion's friends experimented on." Gesturing for him to stay calm, I observe the clouds beginning to double back on us. "We just want to help put you back together, so you can finally wake up again."

"Found you!" Klarion cackles and sends a bolt of orange lightning at us. "Now it's time to play!"

"No!" Marvin shrieks in defiance and throws himself between me and the magical discharge.

As Marvin writhes in agony, everything fades away...

. . .

Groaning to myself, I find myself back in the cell beside Marvin's body. His vitals are going haywire onscreen, with alarms blaring and his body shaking.




Santa Prisca
January 27, 2011
9:02 PM, CST


"Have fun and say hey to M'gann for me," Artemis gives me an exhausted yawn goodbye, clearly unused to a twelve hour shift flying. "I'm going home, before Jade gets back and steals the shower."

"I'd hurry up," Laughing at her scowl, I explain why. "Dubbilex let me know the Doom Patrol is back, but still being debriefed. It's apparently something big enough that we may not be flying tomorrow."

"Well don't tell my mom," She remarks with a mischievous look on her face. "So I can skip class tomorrow and sleep this off in GUS."

"No way I'm lying to Paula," I deny the request firmly. "Your mom terrifies me." I remember what she did to Infinity Island.

"Oh really?" Pamela asks, an intrigued look in her eyes. "I need to meet her."

"And I don't need to put up with his." Sticking my tongue out at the thorny woman, I giggle inside when she restrains her desire to hit me.

"My mom's helping Jade look after Harleen, which has been an experience let me tell you." A dark look crosses Artemis' face. "I thought me and Lena had crappy parents, but Joker just killed Harleen's family and abducted her from from the carnival before the bodies got cold."

"Well since Pamela here still hasn't chosen a home," I stretch an arm and shove Ivy down the fork in the road to the Crock's house. "Bring her home with you for dinner. I'm not in the mood to cook for everyone this late."

I don't know why it bothers me that Pam is into my girlfriend, shouldn't that be the dream? Self confidence is the problem, because even with what she said about her people being a three gender species I'm jealous and I can't help it.

No matter the fact that she's been with me nearly every step of the way, I'm terrified one day M'gann will look at me and see me how I feel deep down. I'm a scared little boy, one who is in over his head and trying to tread water.

"May as well," Snorts Artemis and leads Ivy down the road. "At least you'd be better than that Gardner jerk."

Once they are out of earshot, I head into the tower and take the elevator up. Rubbing the exhaustion from my eyes, I step out and head for the kitchen. The lights are nearly all out, but it looks like a lamp is still on in the dining room.

Pouring myself a glass of water, I take a big drink draining the glass and go to turn off the light. To my pleasant surprise, M'gann is at the table with dinner steaming and served for two.

"Isn't this a wonderful treat," I stretch my head forward and give her an enthusiastic kiss, before she pushes me back gently and I retract with a goofy smile on my face. "It smells amazing dear, what's the occasion?"

"I have something I want to ask you, and I'm not above playing dirty to ensure you answer the way I want." She stands slowly, fluttering her eyelashes seductively and reveals the fact that she's wearing my favourite outfit... nothing at all. "I had a bunch of plans to woo you, but Kon was right."

"If this was his suggestion, I'm knighting him." She laughs at my words and steps closer.

"He reminded me how busy you are and to keep things simple." Pressing a hand against my cheek, her human face blushes a dark pink. "I love you and I'm taking charge of my life, so will you marry me?"

"Don't you need to find someone else first?" I have to ask now, before I make this commitment. "What about what you said?"

"That's only to reproduce and we already have kids," M'gann giggles and I join her in relief. "If we lived on Mars or maybe in Atlantis it would be different, but I spend almost all my time as a human anyway and should be adopting the customs."

"I hope Garfield and Mary-Jane aren't here tonight." I raise my eyebrows suggestively and she smirks back.

"Paula took them and Rachel for a sleepover." Her words give me ideas, but she holds up a finger to my lips. "Before we get distracted with the fun stuff, I do need an answer to my question."

"Yes." Is the only thing I have to say and she slips a wooden band on my finger.



Jade Nguyen
Santa Prisca
January 27, 2011
9:02 PM, CST


"This is a piece of the Ruby of Life?" Bobo holds up the blood stained shard of crystal to he light, staring at it with a curious frown on his face. "So it's not all in young Firestorm?"

"No," Remarks John with a frustrated sigh. "She only has the portion Sargon managed to assemble. I'd say maybe half the mass is still missing." That is frightening, considering the ghoul of Vertigo.

"We need to recover the other pieces," Waller interrupts with a firm command. "I want you and Constantine here, looking into possible locations."

"Each one that Sargon found," John answers, accepting an offer of Bobo's pipe. "Was inside a Lazarus pit and needed to be drained completely."

"Is that why Ra's was so desperate to keep the locations a secret?" I wonder out loud and the magician gives me a nod of confirmation. "He said the world once had many more of them, but never gave a reason for the decline in number."

"It was shattered when then dark side of the moon was facing the Earth." Explains the charming Brit. "Back twenty thousand years ago, give or take a few centuries."

"And you know this how?" Waller raises a good point, is this fact or legend?

"I've been looking for a way to stop Trigon... anyway I can." He levels a dark stare at the stern woman. "The Ruby was an option, before I had a chance to examine it closely anyway and I made sure to do my research on it."

"Do you have anymore leads?" Waller doesn't back down, just somehow manages to glare even harder at John. "I can't waste time sending the Patrol on a wild goose chase."

"Well if he doesn't," I speak up, remembering the mission where I died. "We know one was in Japan and one of the halves of Infinity Island."

"Then it looks like you have your assignment for tomorrow." Waller finally relents in her glaring match, giving me a grateful nod and breaking eye contact with John.

I have bad memories of each place and would rather avoid this pair of missions, but they'll need me as a guide. At least the Japan base was only a few moments of darkness, so I guess that's the one I'll start with.

"Japan first, It's more likely to still have anything useful inside." I instruct with confidence and Waller just agrees with a casual nod. "If the Island was going to be emptied, it would already have happened. Japan's base has to cover up what they remove, so we may get lucky."




Santa Prisca
January 28, 2011
10:14 AM, CST


<This one wonders.> Arenay greets us from her place crouched on the desk, her excited voice entering my mind. <How did your night go?>

<Very good,> Assures M'gann, who is apparently picking up shifts at the prison now. <Everything went according to plan. Please thank Amanda for giving them such a long route yesterday, it gave me time to prepare.>

<This one has been informed.> Arenay has a mischievous look on her face. <That it is better for national security, if we have a clear line of succession.>

<Arenay, are you feeling okay?> I ask in concern, because something about her feels... off.

<This one is fine.> The G-gnome tilts her head to the side in curiosity. <What is concerning you?>

I can't quite place it, but something just feels... incomplete inside her. In fact all the Genomorphs I have passed today, have had the same sensation of incompleteness.

<I'm not sure.> I can't do anything right now, because I'm not even sure if something is actually off. <I'll talk to your dad about it, once I'm done with Miss Wilson's interview that is.>

<This one wishes you luck,> She shakes her head vigorously. <Rose has a tricky mind and she remembers things that have never even happened.>

<Doesn't mean they won't.> Sighing loudly, I contemplate what this could mean.

Is she like me, or is this just normal precognition? Maybe she's like Abra Kadabra and actually from the future. I guess she also could have gotten a surge of knowledge somehow, but I should probably go find out for sure.

<You better not touch Marvin's mind, until John arrives to ward you up.> I remind my fiance, a stern but caring look on my face. <Klarion is to much for anyone to handle alone.>

<I know, he should be here in a while.> She gives me a smug response, because we both know I would have dove right back in. <I'm here to back you up, so you don't leap without looking again.>

"Well let's do this," Speaking out loud outside Rose's cell so she knows we're here for her, I ignore the teasing from M'gann and open the door. "Ready to talk today Rose?"

The white haired teen has only a single eye, which locks onto me with murder blazing in it's reflection. Her uniform has been replaced by a pink jumpsuit, covered in yellow ducks and white bunnies.

It was Waller's idea to customize the pattern for each prisoner and I agreed. Dehumanizing our captives would always feel wrong, but now I have to consider that half my friends aren't human and I'm marrying a Martian. I'm really going to have to do something about the legal terminology we use in Santa Prisca.

"So first things first," I address the glaring girl, pacing back and forth before her. "You want us dead and why is that?"

"My brother is gone because of you and whenever I try to see him," She growls at me, her voice low and dangerous. "All I see is my face in a mirror."

"Blue Beetle said she had some for of prior knowledge," M'gann reminds me, staring at the girl with more empathy than I can muster. "So why do you think we're responsible?"

"Because he followed you through the window and here you are," Rose cross her arms and is nearly snarling her response. "But he's not here, or anywhere I can see. So you either killed him, or have him hidden somewhere magically."

"The car that followed us?" M'gann realizes slowly, her face growing concerned and embarrassment begins to leak from her. "We never did go in and get them."

"Oh..." I exclaim softly and realize why Rose is so angry with us. "We should probably get on that."

"You really didn't kill him?" Rose's glare softens by a minuscule amount, but I can sense hope instead of anger now.

"No," M'gann answers Rose, her voice has a layer of guilt in it.

"Well solitary confinement in the Mirrorway for however long it's been," Giving the one eyed girl an embarrassed explanation, I shrug awkwardly. "Should wipe away most of his sentence."

"And getting him out, might stop my dad from carrying out his hit on you all." She snorts and then giggles for a few seconds. "Not likely though, you really pissed him and his friends off."

"Well I'm not going to be sending you to America, Deathstroke will have you out in days." I stroke my chin in thought. "So do you want to go to school, or stay in our juvenile detention?"

"What's the difference?" Rose snorts and I let a smile slip.

"If you go to school, we help you find a better life." Stopping my pacing, I stare her down with crossed arms. "If you stay in here, we only care about stopping you from causing problems for us."

"You're going to try and get my brother out... aren't you?" She stares at me and I can finally see some vulnerability, even if it's only for a moment.

"Yeah." Nodding, I watch her make a decision and stare me down with concern on her face.

"Can I come?" Rose's question is weighted, but if we only activate one mirror from the outside we should be fine.

"If I let you," I bargain with her, intent on getting another child away from the side of the villains. "You need to allow M'gann or a Genomorph, to do a full and unimpeded scan for honesty."

"Understandable," Rose agrees begrudgingly, her anxiety rising steadily as I stare her down. "If we find my brother, I'll agree to your terms."

"No." I shake my head and make a counter offer. "I'm not bringing you with us, until you get evaluated."

"Fine." Rose accepts my offered hand and let' M'gann scan her for lies, or any intent to cause harm.

It's always slightly uncomfortable watching M'gann work, when no one else is in the room. Both girls are just standing motionless, with blank expressions across each face. Almost ten minutes of awkward silence passes, before M'gann blinks and gives me a confident nod.

"She doesn't have any concrete plans," M'gann keeps her voice low, while Rose begins twitching back to awareness. "It was more about her finding out what happened, so she knew how far to take her revenge."

"Well... I guess we have to bring you." Rose grins at my words and gives a confident nod.

"Good, because I make liars into diers." I raise my eyebrows at that, looking at her chained ankles and wrists.

"I almost want to see how you would try it." M'gann growls when I say this, so I don't pursue the line of thought any farther. "Is that even a word?" Is my back up choice of words, which has M'gann release her tense shoulders.

"Doesn't matter what words are real or not, after you're dead." Rose narrows her eye at me and then winks dangerously. "But we made a deal, so don't worry you Highness."

"Oh I like that," I turn to M'gann and laugh. "It reminds me of high school."

"Do you have some kind of plan?" Rose demands, not in the mood for my banter.

"We haven't seen him on any of our trips, so we're going to need a way to go deeper than we normally go." I think someone would have mentioned a car and passenger floating by.

"We can take my Bio-ship inside, we'll just have to make one of the ponds act as a reflection." M'gann finds a solution, before I even really considered anything past sending a flyer inside with each person who can't.




Santa Prisca
January 28, 2011
4:28 PM, CST


"Hope you didn't sleep through class," I greet our friends, as they walk out the gates of the Allen Academy. "Because I got a head scratcher, for whoever is interested."

"What do you mean?" Raquel is quick to get clarification before volunteering. "You gonna have us checking through reports for a clue or something?"

"Really?" Groans Artemis, glaring daggers at me. "I covered for you yesterday and this is how you repay me..."

"Since you aren't sobbing," Kon smirks at me, his arm casually thrown around the blonde's waist. "I assume things went well with M'gann."

"Oh yeah she proposed." I shrug off the details, because as far as I'm concerned nothing has really changed between us yet. "We're going into the Mirrorway for a recovery mission, who wants to come?"

"Are you asking me too?" Cameron looks surprised and I can feel his hope churning inside. "Because that sounds really cool."

"We can work out the details on the way to the tower," Zatanna silences the Makhent with a single raised finger. "I want details. Considering the work we all put in on this for her, we need them."

"Aren't you and M'gann supposed to do that and then you all threaten me with harm, if I ever hurt her?" Confused by the inquiry, I shake my head. "I thought the guys had to bring me out and give me life advice on how not to screw up, but since we'll be drinking the wisdom will be hit or miss."

"That's basically what happened whenever one of dads guys got hitched," Remarks Cameron who is still wanting to come and hasn't left for his training with the Superfriends yet. "Except they had strippers and way harder stuff."

"That sounds..." Wally cuts himself off when Zatanna raises an eyebrow and smirks dangerously at him. "Very very tacky." She nods in approval when he corrects himself in time. "You should definitely go for something more high class." I'm surprised it worked, she's really getting him to slow down and appreciate the moment.

"I do have homework," Richie adds, his voice hesitant about interrupting. "I don't know if I should come."

"Well I kind of need you to, you're our secret weapon inside." I explain with an apologetic shrug. "We haven't seen them on any of our quick trips, so the car of four has gone deep. We'll only be doing a few hours of searching each day, until we know if it will have long term effects on us. "

"M'gann's idea?" Realizes Raquel, smirking at me with crossed arms. "Because you normally jump right in and don't share the plan until we're on our way."

"I normally don't have a plan fully formed," I let a wave of embarrassment pulse out and laugh a myself. "Until we're back from the mission. I usually have maybe eighty percent of one ready by the time we deploy."

"Which makes me even more relieved." Artemis scowls at me, but with no heat and only habit is causing it.. "It's about time you actually shared responsibility with us, since you've just admitted you can't do everything by yourself."

"Yeah and what's this gossip I heard," Wally finally speaks for himself, his arms waving wildly in frustration. "About you being the only one of us, to handle your responsibilities?"

"I'm pretty sure that conversation, was about the divine responsibilities." Everyone is glaring at me now and I rack my mind for when I said that. "That some of us have apparently taken on."

"Oh..." Wally realizes what I meant and looks embarrassed. "Yeah I have been ignoring those voices, but they've been getting louder."

"Um, what?" Zatanna is glaring at her boyfriend's admission. "You're hearing voices in your head and didn't say anything?"

"Well..." He wilts under her stern gaze and tries explaining. "We all do because of M'gann, I thought it had to do with the Genomorphs drawing me here."

"I'm guessing those are people who genuinely believe in you and are the same kind of prayers I've started hearing." He looks shocked when I admit this and I can sense everyone else is equally unprepared. "Last few days... I've been hearing prayers in Spanish, Martian, and the language Grodd is developing for his apes, normally around bedtime."

"Speak for yourselves," Kon is smirking at me, pride evident in his stance. "I've been doing my part for a few months now."

"Really?" Artemis is disbelieving, because Kon hasn't seemed to be doing anything extra. "Like what?"

"I'm the Titan of Love, according to Connor's classification anyway." Kon points to Wally and Zatanna. "I helped reunite lost love, I slowed down my dad's ferocity and made him see reason, and you and Jade even get along now." Kon makes an exaggerated bow, sharing a goofy grin with Artemis when he straightens himself. "I'd say you all need to play catch up."

"I keep hearing athletes for the most part," Wally admits. "I guess I really represent pushing yourself to people."

"You showed America and anyone else who saw our speech," I speak slowly, as I remember the moments after and Wally's disappearance for months. "Not to give up... ever."

"A hero is just someone who gives up a minute after everyone else has." Wally smiles softly, his mind reeling as he remembers something his uncle said. "Barry always said that when I thought was too tired to run another step and then he reminded me how much we can do in that length of time."

"Jade is really going all in with the chaos of battle thing," Artemis adds, leaning into Kon with a sour look on her face. "And for some reason, it's been making me want to try talking things out more."

"Wow." Cameron looks shocked. "So what are you War and Peace now?"

"Maybe..." Artemis shares his expression for a moment, before letting it fade into a content smile. "But I guess that could be good. I'm not against fighting or anything, but my ideas are more long term and not only about the current 'battle'."

"You want to at least see if it can be solved nonviolently?" Checking, I'm also surprised when she gives a hesitant nod.

"Yeah." She shakes her head to clear out the heavy thoughts and stares at me. "So who are we going to rescue?"

"When you and M'gann rescued the twins, we kind of left a car in the Mirrorway."

"So?" She still hasn't fully embraced her new ideology clearly, since she has no care for assassins.

"One was Deathstroke's son and Dick managed to trade his daughter for Blue Beetle. You should know a Rose Wilson."

"Oh her?" Growls Artemis, her voice now a dangerous tone. "She wanted me to ditch M'gann my first day in Star City, so I dropped her like I tried with Brainfreeze here." She jerks a thumb back at Icicle Jr, laughing when he starts to whine.

"You and Jade happened to be my only female friends when I was working for dad," He grumbles in his own defence. "My choice for a first crush was her or you and I know she would have stabbed me, you would have only hit me."

"Cameron I want you here," He nods at my command. "Something will go wrong eventually and you still have bodyguard duty."

"I am far more powerful than he is," Mary-Jane's voices have become a lot more synchronized and only a slight delay on Inferno's words is presents. "Why do you insist on me having a bodyguard?"

"Because you still ignore anyone you don't already know," I pat them on the head tenderly. "He's a social bodyguard, so people don't think the Princess is weird."

"Garfield doesn't have one..." They twist sideways, leaving my patting air and MJ scowls up at me.

"True and I'm going to have to do something about that." She is right and If we're adopting him, he will be a Prince and in need of protection.

"Doesn't Grodd have a son?" Wally snaps his fingers in excitement, which has Garfield looking intrigued. "You said the apes would start soon, so why not have both of them protected by the same person?"

"I think it will make more sense for MJ to get an Amazon guard after school and Garfield can have one of Grodd's Apes look after him when school is over." I give him a smirk which he returns playfully. "You spend most of your time at the zoo anyway and I finally have enough teachers with combat training, who are also certified as educators."

"Who did you finally settle on?" Raquel asks, clearly focused on her education. "Because the dozen or so you have are being run ragged."

"Well I'm going to be hosting some Atlanteans, a few dozen want to do a year above." I consider the list Kaldur has given me. "Queen Mera has sent six instructors with them and Donna got her mom to send a few Amazons, to give a contrast to the Bana Migdhall ones I'm employing."

"Did you really get Cassandra's mom to teach sometimes?" Garfield asks and I confirm this.

"Yeah. She's going to handle some history classes for you all, which has me considering retaking my senior year for that alone." I love history and even more so now, with the fact that so many legends are somewhat true.

"I haven't seen the alien robot since our separation..." Roy looks conflicted as he forces himself to ask. "Is it alright?"

"Sphere," Mary-Jane explains with a finger to the sky. "has chosen to remove herself from humanity for now, so she can recover from the trauma. She is staying on Watchtower and observing humans from a safe distance with him in orbit."

"She doesn't have eyes, so what do I call her?" Wally wonders to himself, before his eyes light up. "Sister Ear, since she she's listening in on everyone..." He looks proud and then concerned. "Which is creepier the more I think of it."

"And isn't your brother basically watching the planer all day everyday?" Artemis adds with her own growing frown. "So we have a Brother Eye and Sister Ear."

"He is our uncle technically." Mary-Jane is quick to be accurate with the labels. "And he is only watching the weather patterns for oversized storms in need of dispersing."




Mirrorway
February 2, 2011
5:46 PM, CST


"We haven't found anything in days..." Artemis groans and stretches. "Are you sure he didn't fall out of a mirror somewhere?"

"If he had," Rose growls back at the blonde. "I would be able to see him."

"Because you are such an oracle," Having none of her attitude, Artemis snaps back at our captive. "Sorry for forgetting the complete lack of any relevant predictions."

"I don't mind if this takes even longer," Richie admits, his eyes pressed up to the windshield and observing the reflection windows that float by. "This is incredible."

Some are permanent surfaces that give a clear and permanent look out onto Earth, but most are temporary and faded. Those are ones made on things like water, which waver and fade before our eyes.

"It better not take much longer," Rose grunts and crosses her arms, glaring at the back of Artemis' head. "Or my dad will try again."

"Guys..." I interrupt the arguing behind me, to gesture at the oddity before us. "I think we found something."

A massive cube of glass floats in the clear void, it's dimensions are easily the size of the moon and maybe closer to Earth in scale. I can make out mountains of jagged glass, oceans of liquefied silica, and even what appears to be cities of the substance, all on a square planetoid.

"Hang on!" I warn them as the ship jerks forward, caught in some kind of gravitational pull. "Something has us and is reeling as in."

Even as I try to reverse the Bio-ship, a grey glow has surrounded the vessel and begins pulling us down to the surface of the planet.






Htrae
yraurbeF 2, 2011
6:01 MP, TSC,


"What's happening?" Richie's panic filled voice, speaks for everyone on board.

"I don't know," Nothing I do gets a reaction from the ship. "Rose what's going to happen when we land?"

"I have no idea!" The one eyed girl shrieks at me. "I can only see backwards in here."

"When we land," Kon warns Richie, the only one of us not in a uniform. "You better stay on the ship."

"No worries about that," Richie agrees easily.

"Hang on everyone." I warn the others, when the ship starts to pit up speed. "I don't know how hard this landing is going to be."

"I've got this," Raquel assures us with a determined grin. "Don't worry." He violet aura spreads from her to the ship, encasing us in a sphere of kinetic energy absorption.

"Good work Raquel," Compliments Kaldur and with his voice steady, secures himself in his seat.

"Are we being brought to Mount Everest?" Wally points at the colossal spike of glass, even as Zatanna forces him into his own chair and clips him in. "Thanks Babe, but seriously... look how big that whole mountain range is."

"That did look like the Indian coast." Kon agrees with Wally, his implanted knowledge is now coming in handy. "I think Wally's right, this is some kind of Bizarro Earth."

"Would explain the scans I'm getting." Kyle is frowning at his ring. "It's like everything is powered by magic, because my ring is only saying 'insufficient Willpower'."

"Zatanna, you sensing anything?" Her boyfriend asks and she draws Shade's staff, pointing it at the planet below.

"Whoa..." She slumps in her seat after a few seconds, clutching her head in pain and groaning. "Someone, or something... is definitely on Klarion's level."

"You positive?" I need more information and press her, even as Wally glares at me. "Do you have anything else useful?"

"It might not be one person," The black haired magician informs me, her voice shaking like she has hypothermia. "It feels like the entire planet is magic, I was overwhelmed by the feedback."

"We're slowing down," Lena realizes, her mind still focused on our descent. "Whatever is doing this, will be in sight soon." She heads for the hangar, getting ready for a quick exit when we land.

"Looks like that cave is our destination." Dick realizes before any of us. "And I can see people outside."

"Are they wearing bathing suits?" Her voice is shocked, when Artemis can make out individual features.

"Yeah..." Looking the people over, it looks like each one has frostbite over the entire body. "I can feel emotions, so I know they aren't zombies." But something is wrong.

Instead of at a minimum a discomfort from the cold, each each one is filled with ecstatic pleasure. The powdered glass that falls like snow, allows the grey skinned humanoids to leave bloody angels in the snow and likewise crimson footprints as a trail from the valley below.

Our ship is drawn inside a cave of even more glass, it kind of resembles dark brown beer bottle in coloration. We're pulled through a long and winding tunnel with dozens of branching paths, finally coming to rest in a large cavern with several large mirrors facing us.

Dozens of robed figures are standing in a half circle behind the mirrors, chanting in a somehow familiar language. The one leading the group is female by form, but her face is concealed by her robes.

Beside her she has what appears to be a child or apprentice of some kind, clearly defined by being nearly half the height of everyone else in a white robe. I can make out jet black hands, but that is the only defining feature I see.

"Don't hit anyone first," Issuing commands, I'm relieved everyone goes silent to listen. "We don't know if they are actually hostile yet."

"I said I can look backwards," Rose speaks up with a snarl. "And now that I know where to look, I can see what they did to Grant."

"Want to share with the rest of us?" Growling at Rose, Artemis cuts to the chase. "We're on a tight schedule here."

"They over powered him and his agents." The white haired girl concentrates, as she scrys backwards in time. "They got sentenced to amusement."

"That doesn't actually sound so bad," Wally looks relieved, but I feel like we're missing something.

"You better hope so." Rose scowls, drawing her own sword and approaching the ramp. "If he's not, I'm killing Connor... or whoever gets between us."

"If you try," Artemis steps in front of me, a faint shimmering of the air forms between the two girls and then it's gone. "You should know exactly what I'll do to you."

"Only If I don't break her first," Remarks M'gann, her own anger at Rose's words is leaking out.

"Enough," Kaldur breaks up the tension with a single word and then reminds us of the trouble before us. "We are outnumbered and on a foreign world, we need to work together."

"If you can't," I add with a smirk. "You can stay on the ship with Richie."

"Well anyone getting out, should probably do so now." Richie frowns and points out the fact that we have landed. "They don't look very patient."

"Be ready for anything." Donna is first one done the ramp. "This whole situation is backwards."

"Seize them for trial!" The shriek of the woman in charge, makes it clear we're going to fight our way out.

"Titans, go!" Kaldur commands and the entire team charges forth.

"What the hell!" Artemis stops in front of me and I slam into her, knocking us both to the ground.

Climbing to my feet in a hurry, I can only drop my jaw in shock. Standing in a line and ready to meet us, is copies of each of us. I know whats going on now.

"Bizarros..." I exclaim in worry, but have no time to share more.

"Me am going to hug you to life!" Kon's mirror, charges forward and meets him in the air.

"You am faster than me!" A Bizarro Wally taunts his counterpart. "Me will never catch you!" He races forward and slams Wally into the ground, sending both bouncing along the smooth glass.

"Why you stay still for me?" My own copy roars in confusion, as he throws wilds attacks from every direction. "Me love you!" He may be less intelligent than I am, but he's clearly more in tune with his body.

"Me believe in you!" Kyle's reflection catches the Green Lantern in shackles of clear light, that take on a green tint upon making contact with Kyle. ""You am fearless and me no win!"

"Bind our foes for judgment!" Before any of us can gain the upper hand, the cultists speak as one and send a wave of magic forward.

The floor melts and the surges up my legs, leaving me sealed up to my neck in the incredibly hard substance. The leader and her small companion approach and wave off our copies.

"?t'nsi siht a esirpruS" The boy steps up to Zatanna and pulls back his hood. ".Rehtom sah dessim uoY" He looks like a male Zatanna, but his skin is ebony black and his hair snow white and he only looks to be a couple years younger than her.

".retsis, ti si os ecin ot teem uoY" Only his reverse coloration and habit of speaking his normal sentences backwards mark him as different from her.

"Mom?" Zatanna stammers in shock, looking like she may faint.

The leader removes her own hood next and shows a middle aged version of Zatanna, who we all know is supposed to be dead. The shadow of a purple haired woman floating over Sindella's body, seems to be demonic and in control.

"My daughter will be joining me," The fiend informs her followers, not even looking at the rest of us. "Her friends will face amusement without her."



yllaW tseW
Htrae
yraurbeF 2, 2011
8:11 MP, TSC


As soon as our sentence was declared, we got split up and loaded into mine carts. The liquified glass formed into shackles on our ankles and wrists, leaving me unable to vibrate through the magical substance.

Zatanna was pulled aside and lead away, while her mother's goons found Richie on he ship and tossed him in his own cart behind me. The fifty or so robed figures seem to be higher in status than the Bizarro versions of everyone, because the remaining few are directing the battalion of grey skinned goons.

<What's the plan?> I've tried everything I can think of already, the ten minutes since our capture was more than enough time to exhaust myself of ideas.

<Wait until we have less covering us and then we bust free,> Connor informs us, sending a surge of sorely needed calmness to us all. <If it looks like this is going to be worse than basic imprisonment, of course we smash free immediately. I'm not get experimented on again.>

<You called them Bizarros...> Dick is quick to realize what I missed. <Do you know what these are?>

<I've had dreams about one of them,> Question answers with his faceless mask showing no emotion, but he's leaking uncertainty now and I don't like an uncertain leader. <Superman's copy and his name is Bizarro.>

<What about the people in the robes?> M'gann asks for all of us, as her cart begins clacking forward.

<No idea.> Connor shrugs and then my own cart starts to pick up speed. <Hang on and be sick to the right!>

<Yahoo!> The orange space babe is excited, throwing her shackled arms above her head in glee.

We gain so much speed, it feels like riding an escalator. If I can even notice the momentum, the others must be going through torture.

<Link everyone who's sick to my senses!> I command M'gann, who takes a few moments to respond.

I can feel the relief of my friends, as they can finally open their eyes. I focus on my breathing and keeping my perception at only a single speed.

<Okay, that's a lot better.> Artemis is finally able to lean away from the right side of her cart and give a weak thumbs up. <Thanks you two.>

<No problem,> I respond and conceal my smirk from her, I'm right behind her and would have gotten hit.

<Do you think of anything but Zatanna?> Raquel laughs over the link.

<Take my word for it,> Connor throws me under the bus. <She takes up at least half of his brain power.>

<Not just her...> Defending myself, I ignore everyone's amusement. <I have lot's of ideas I want to try, like Speed Force engines.> We spend what feels like hours, barrelling down the tunnel to a destination unknown.

.
.
.

"You stay here." One of the Bizarros orders me, shortly after we pull to a stop in a run down amusement park.

"Okay?" I don't want to argue with Batman, especially one who looks like a zombie.

This doesn't seem to make him happy, because he grabs me by the hair and yanks me from the mine cart. He holds me infront of his face and snarls, his foul breath washing over me.

"You want a breath mint or something," I speak before I can hold myself back. "Cause that is nasty."

<Don't piss off our captors moron.> Artemis glares at me, trying to force me to shut up with her body language alone.

"Thank you," Batzarro grins like a loon at me, finally pleased with something I said. "Me brush my teeth everyday." The dark yellow teeth look to be nearly falling out and full of cavities, so I give him a weak smile back.

"I can tell, the girls must scream when they see you." I can feel the rest of my friends add their own glares to Artemis'.

"Me am having all the girlfriends." He nods enthusiastically and then knees me in the stomach, dropping me to the ground. "But you am too quiet, so you wake up now." I dodge his next kick, but when he sits on me it's over.

He plugs my nose and holds my mouth shut and holds his hands firmly in place. When I stop struggling and close my eyes, he stands up smugly.

<Play possum if you piss them off.> I explain, which calms down a panicking Richie.

<I'm keeping the link open, so no heroics until we know what's going on.> M'gann sounds a lot more sure of herself than she did when we first met, it seems like she really is taking charge of life in all ways.

<We're being split up, so stay safe and see you soon.> Connor's voice is calm but conceals an edge of concern.

I get thrown over Batzarro's shoulder and he begins walking into the park away from the others. My trip is relatively short and soon I'm being placed inside a metal container, so I open my eyes.

"Me am hoping you have fun," Batzarro waves at me as the ride begins, my teacup beginning to spin faster than a racecar.

<Guys.> I don't think this will be to hard to break out of, it's just a carnival ride. <I should be out soon, then I'll come find you all.> I confidently declare and then I shriek like a banshee.

When my teacup goes down and changes directions, a body slides into me. One of the robed people is in here with me, but he looks like he should be in an old age home.

He groans at me and feebly reaches for my arm, before he gets flung back around to the other side of the cup. Grabbing the wheel in the middle, I begin to alternate my spins and force the ride to stop its rotations. Once I've done so, I grab the groaning old man and leap from the ride.

Cradling his body with my own, I slam into the dirt and cough in pain. The black skinned man is so old and sickly looking, he looks more of a charcoal grey. He has pointed ears like an elf and snow white hair that is thin, falling out in clumps.

".knaht uoy yobnam" He speaks like Zee would cast a spell and I have to work to understand him. ",tel em pleh esohT" Thanks and let me help, is the gist of his message and he does so by shattering the glass on my limbs with a single word. "Break the glass!"

"Thanks dude, now find somewhere to hide." I shake my wrists and crack my neck. "I'm going to break my friends free, we'll grab you on the way out, and then we're saving my girlfriend from her mom who is supposed to be dead." Saying it out loud and summarizing my goals like that, makes it way easier to avoid the details... like how I'm going to do this.

"Guide us to the aliens!" The elderly man chants, his words of power create a cloud of rainbow fog.

It separates into a colour for each friend and the fog takes on the form of a flock of bright birds, each flying off n a different direction. ".wollof eM" He commands and I can do nothing but shrug, lifting him bridal style so we can get this done.



yllaW tseW
Htrae
yraurbeF 2, 2011
9:19 MP, TSC


"What is this place?" Grunting at the old man in my arms, I streak through the fairgrounds and head for M'gann's location. She's one of the only ones still in the link, but something is blocking communication.

"Prisonland." I have to slow down to translate in my head, but am I ever glad Zee tried to teach me some of her spells. "Have fun for the rest of your life here." He coughs and I realize how frail her really is, so I grab one of my no longer needed energy bars and give it to him.

"Who's the lady in charge?" She looked like Zatanna's mom based on the pictures I've seen in Shadowcrest, but she died when Zatanna was three.

"Tala." He doesn't add anything else, assuming her name is enough for me and it really isn't.

"And why does this Tala, look like my girlfriend's dead mom?" I have all the time I need for this guy to answer his questions and recover, it's not hard to increase his perception of time along with my own.

"Our Goddess wanted a host," He looks away from me and sighs in shame. "So we found one of the half-breeds and brought her here. She was not our first choice, but she bargained for the young man who called out to us in search of his missing kin."

"Tala is a Goddess?" I clarify, because the backwards speech is still tricky to comprehend. "Of what?"

"Everything." The old man frowns in confusion. "Is your Goddess not all powerful?"

"I don't know about the monotheistic ones on my world, but our pantheon based ones aren't." I know I'm not.

"My grandfather's grandfather, he came to you world long ago to spread the teachings of magic under the high priestess M'rgann." The eyes are filled with memories of his better times, but he stays focused on his explanation. "She betrayed our Goddess and sealed her here in this realm of her own creation."

"Whoa... that's heavy." I gesture for him to continue and do my best to avoid interrupting again.

"Our predecessors refused to join her in overthrowing your King A'rthurr and got banished with our goddess." He looks at his hands intently and sighs. "This place changed our people, as it will change you before long."

"So we're on a tight schedule?" I groan when he nods. "Great, just when I learned to take my time. Why are we locked up in a carnival anyway?" I have to ask, because it's just so... odd.

"Because after our return to Earth, Tala was again betrayed by her new priest W'tann." He lowers his voice when a search party goes scurrying by, it seems our escape has been noticed. "He went alone to Earth, but never opened the portal for our return."

"Ouch." I wince at that visibly, betrayal like that would sting something fierce.

"Our Goddess had enough and replaced us with her new creations, the Bizarros." I can hear the shame and anger in his voice, both in equal amounts. "Once we found her a host from Earth, she only needed the most loyal of us to lead her armies."

"And you are?" I press for a name to his species, but am still somehow left wanting.

"Humans once called us the Elves, while we lived on Earth in disguise." That's like me saying Humans used to be called Homo Habilis, come on dude.

"Give me a minute, I'll be right back." I blur away from the elder once I find a place to hide him near the Gravitron.

<M'gann it's me,> I try her again, but only get a feeble groan over the link. <I'm coming in to get you, don't puke on me please.> It's definitely the rides blocking the link, because with the door open I can hear her again.

She's been on the ride for over an hour now and the green colour on her face is not a natural one. Her eyes are screwed shut tightly and I think she's counting to herself in an attempt to centre herself.

<Ground control to Major Megan!> I shout-sing in her head directly, which has her snap her eyes open in shock.

<Wally!> Her mental voice is nauseous, so I race into the ride and grab her before she can get sick.

"I gotcha Meg, just keep your eyes closed for a few more seconds." I warn her with a cocky grin on my face and reverse the momentum of the saucer shaped ride.

The engine groans from the strain and a loud bang makes me smile. With this ride no longer working, I look at the other occupants and turn away sadly. I don't know how long the white haired dark 'elves' have been in here, but these four didn't make it.

Vanishing in a flash of blue, we appear behind the dumpster. The elder jumps in fright when I arrive with M'gann, but thankfully doesn't keel over on me.

"How long have you been here?" I ask in concern, because the others inside also looked ancient.

"Since the Tala merged with her host and had no need of thinking citizens any longer." M'gann looks up and frowns at the name he says, mumbling something to herself quietly.

"Something wrong?" I slap myself in the forehead at her giggle, because all of this is wrong. "Sorry stupid question. Keep an eye on our friend here, while I round up the others." I give her a two finger wave and rocket away in a cloud of dust.

I only have a few patrols of Bizarro people to avoid, before I find my next teammate in need of rescue. The water slide sounds like it would be perfect for Kaldur, but not when he's inside a rotating doughnut.

An infinite water slide must feel like being inside a whirlpool. I'm going to need to vibrate myself inside without blowing it up, and then run in place until Kaldur floats by.

.
.
.

Sprinting up the tower at the sound of Richie's terror filled scream, I reach the top before it can release again. The Drop of Doom has one of our targets for extraction beside the screaming blonde. It's not Rose's brother Grant, so I ignore him and unbuckle my fellow nerd.

"Yo dude, I got you." Her grabs me tightly around the neck and doesn't cease his wailing. "You can stop screaming now, or else I may drop you." He goes silent at my words and I have to assure him I'm only joking, but I don't think either of us buy it.

"How'd you get free?" Richie pants in relief when I drop him off with the others, who have had to relocate to the gift shop.

"Made friends with a local." I point to N'thann, who is now joined by a half dozen or so of his fellows. "He got mine off and will have yours off in a jiffy."

"Only you can use that as a real measurement of time," Dick snorts at me and then tilts his head to the side, likely listening to his scarab's snarky response. "Connor should be in that building," He guides my stare towards a three story tower.

"It looks like Rose is on the Ferris Wheel," Adds M'gann with a concerned look at the aforementioned tower. "While Kori should be on the other roller coaster." We found Mal on the rickety wooden one, so that means the Princess is on the fancy new one and is probably the one screaming in glee.




ataraZ anataZ
Htrae
yraurbeF 2, 2011
8:35 MP,
TSC

My mom snickers to herself once my friends have been rolled away. She looks exactly like I remember her, but something about this place has changed her.

The boy beside her watches me in silent curiosity, so I give him a hesitant wave. Seeing this, mother smiles widely and pushes him forward.

"Go on Zachary, say hello to your big sister." He returns my smile and eagerly strides towards me.

"What is going to happen to my friends?" I ask and adjust my words to match the mirrored language they use. "Dad just finally started approving of Wally, I kind of need him back."

"What is dad like?" My brother asks softly, his voice desperate for knowledge. "Mom doesn't like talking about him." That doesn't sound right, because everyone who knew her said the two couldn't shut up about each other.

"Very overprotective." Mom laughs at my remark and leads me through he glass palace, stopping in front of a large mosaic.

"Considering what happened to his wife, I cannot blame him." She smirks at me, but her eyes are cold and I can only focus on her odd choice of wording.

"Who is this?" It shows a young man, maybe only a teen and he is wearing a full suit of black armour.

"The traitor's son," Mother scowls. "He is here as a reminder, of what happens to those who betray me."

"Did you come to set us free?" Zachary is losing his nerve around me and is now demanding answers. "Did you finally hear mom calling for you?"

"No." I shake my head confused. "We came in here looking for some people in a car."

"Oh..." He looks hurt.

"You've been calling me?" Mom grins at my question and draws us in for a hug.

"Yes, but you are protected from those beyond the Earth." Her voice sounds like a hiss. "So my words went unheard."

"Well I'm here now," I remark with concern, pushing myself from her hold and staring her down. "What's next?"

"We're going to in-" Zachary is cut off suddenly, when my mom grips his jaw with her left hand and holds it still.

"That is a long discussion and one best had after a good nights sleep." Zachary squirms in her grip, like any child would in his place. "It is past my prince's bedtime and I know you are in need of rest."

"But mom," My brother whines, his ivory ponytail shaking along with his head. "She just got here."

"And she will still be here tomorrow," Mom's words and firm, so he gives me a quick hug and walks away grumbling to himself.

"Have a good sleep," I can't help myself and throw out a goodnight to his disappearing back.

"Now my dear, we can speak without innocent ears around." She puts an arm around my shoulder and leads me down a different hallway. "What do you want to ask mommy?"

"Dad said you died..." I let the words hang in the air, but she responds with a giggle.

"Of course he did," Mom explains with a sardonic smirk on her lips. "Since I didn't leave a body, he had to choose between a wife who left him... or a dead one."

"It's not like that!" I won't let anyone – even her – badmouth my dad. "He hasn't even been on a date since you disappeared on us."

"A decade of pent up energy?" She ponders and I feel sick at the look on her face. "Maybe I should pay him a visit after all."

"Why are you here anyway and keeping Zachary from us?" If she can go back to Earth, why hasn't she?

"Because someone came to Giovanni and I, in search of help." She scowls in memory, and starts squeezing my shoulder unconsciously. "He was seeking his sister, but he found the Goddess and was to scared to accept her offer."

"Who was he?" Dad never mentioned this.

"I don't remember, it was a long time ago." She releases my shoulder to my relief and starts gesturing with her now free hand. "You were to be claimed instead and when he reengaged on the bargain, I took your place here as priestess instead."



Htrae
yraurbeF 2, 2011
9:41 MP,
TSC

"So what are you in for?" My fellow prisoner yells over the wind of the indoor skydiving. "You're the first human they've thrown in with us, I'm curious how you got here." He has to be our target, unless he stole Grant's clothing.

"Looking for you actually," I explain and grin when he is shocked silent. "Your sister made a deal with us, she's really guilty about what happened to you."

"Why?" He shakes his head angrily. "She didn't send me, dad did and she should know that."

"Apparently he has some kind of new armour, a gift from some friends he made." The Light, but I'm not sharing anything I don't have to. "Last time Rose was able to look at his future, he was fighting the new Blue Beetle and she got captured by us."

"You aren't working with her?" He isn't defensive like I would have assumed, in fact he seems very relaxed and dare I say... fun.

"We are now," I reassure him needlessly. "I'm not charging her with any of her crimes, but she has to finish high school."

"Seriously?" Ravager stares at me and I relent, sharing my memory of the event. "Ha... I owe you one. She was dead set on following us into the family business and being here changed my mind about that being a good thing."

"It did?" I'm confused, because Rose said he was a militant little follower of dad.

"Yeah." He reaches for his face and removes his orange and black mask, revealing his now grey tinged face."I'm starting to see how much fun life can be and all dad wants us to do is work. Rose needs time to grow into her own person first."

He means everything he says, all I can feel is genuine love and concern for his sister. His feelings on his dad are more jumbled and still being changed. I'm worried about how he felt about Rose before, if this is him reversed.

"I have an idea." I spot a green button, which looks like an emergency stop in Bizzaro land. "I get you down to the button, you get us free."

I don't let him say no, reaching over for him with elongated arms and reeling him in. Once I have him in my grasp, I lengthen my body and become a makeshift slingshot.

"Whoa!" Grant is startled by my actions, but adapts quickly and curls into a ball. "Warn a guy before you melt like that." His heart is racing, but he gets it under control soon. "Alright. You can shoot."

I stretch back as far as I can in this wind and let my body snap forward, flinging Grant Wilson towards the door. I groan when he slams face first into a wall, several feet above the doorway and grab him for a second try.

"Feet first this time," He grumbles and readjusts himself.



Htrae
yraurbeF 3, 2011
6:41 MA,
TSC

"We need to slow down." When I turn back at her remark, it's easy to see why. "Grant has to have a concussion, he's seeing double and keeps tripping."

"...Weird." I hold in a concerned look, because for some reason he hasn't told her how we got out. "Yeah we can take a break for a min-" I concede since his condition is my fault, but Wally is having none of that.

"No we can't!" He interrupts angrily. "We got your brother out, like we agreed. Now we save my girlfriend, from whatever is controlling her mom."

"It's fine Rose," Ravager groans behind his mask, refusing to take it off and show his changes. "I just have a headache and want to get out out of this place."

"See Grant is fine." Wally gives the son of Slade Wilson a grateful nod and turns to me with an expectant look.

"M'gann can lead us to the Bio-ship," Relenting to his determined face, I give him the go ahead. "We can keep you linked while you find Zatanna and extract her."

"Her mom might be possessed," Wally adds with a snort, shaking his head at my idea. "But Zee's not going to leave her here."

"Find them and come back for Lena," She's lighter than Kon I reason, Wally's glance at the siblings confirms my theory a moment later.

"Yeah, that will work." He vanishes in a streak of blue, heading back up to the mountains peak.

"Did they move the ship far?" Kaldur is staying focused on our escape, his eyes scanning the tunnel behind us.

"I don't think it's been moved at all yet." Shaking her head, M'gann keeps her eyes closed and focuses.

"Finally a break." Artemis sighs and resumes the climb.

"Hey guys," Wally pants out suddenly, as he reappears in a gust of wind. "Need Lena now, meet you soon." He grabs the startled Kryptonian and sprints away, a look of grim determination on his face.

"So we all agree that doesn't sound good?" Everyone agrees, so I point at Kon and Kori. "You two go back them up."

"Got it," Kon rises with only a single glance at Starfire. "We'll meet you in the air."

"Good luck my friends, be having the good luck." Kori smiles at us and waves, before the two race away.

"Kyle." I address our resident Green Lantern, who jumps to attention at my tone. "You better put the rest of is in a construct and screw stealth, we're definitely the slow squad."


ataraZ anataZ
Htrae
yraurbeF 3, 2011
6:42 MA,
TSC

It took forever to finally fall asleep, but the locked room and enchanted bed made it hard to resist. So when I wake up bound to a glass pillar and see one of the Drow – that's what Wally said a Dark elf is – approach with a crystal clear dagger in her hand.

"You're awake, good." My mother's voice comes from behind me and she strolls into sight eventually. "We can say goodbye." She grabs my chin harshly and leans in. "Thank you for coming to find me, it is so nice to finally find someone dutiful." I wasn't and I know she is aware of this fact.

"What are you doing!" I can't hold back a yelp, when her follower slashes my forearm.

"I need you and you brother both, to bring my army home." She smirks with devilish glee and I see my sleeping brother on an identical pillar, his skin a frighteningly pale grey.

"What?" As I grow weak from blood loss, I try to focus on the fiend wearing my mom.

"One of Earth and one of Htrae," She is nearly singing her explanation. "Bleed them both and the window will become a door."

"But why?" I try and struggle, but can feel my magic has been bound.

"It is time for Tala to have her revenge," My mother licks her lips and her eyes burn with rage. "And I have so many targets. Sorry you won't live to see it, I'll make sure to name something after you two."

"How considerate," I spit at her and finally get my hat to fall from my head, shoving my hand inside and grasping the Shadow Staff.

I fling the hat off my hand, revealing the powerful artifact and blasting my mother with a wall of shadow. It slams her into the far wall and reshapes into a sheet that binds her tightly.

"I don't think so!" The Drow assisting my mom, is moving to hold a knife to Zachary's neck and I find I have issue with this.

I send another tendril of shadow forward, watching it form a spear and pierce the dark Elve's spine. Gagging at his blood that is already pooling around him, I bring the staff down onto my ankles and shatter half of my bindings.

"And now for you," I mutter to myself and wrap my wrists in shadow, sawing through the middle with less than precise cuts.

"Oh your mother is so proud of you," The fiend taunts me, now free from her bindings. "And I find myself impressed, but I do still need your blood. You understand how these things are." She giggles to herself and then sends a wave of glass shards at me.

I tense for impact, but familiar hands grab me and carry me to safety. A gust of wind and flash of blue later, leaves me beside my brother. While I move to free him, Wally watches my back.

"Sorry it took so long, the others are so slow," Wally's voice reassures me and I finally feel like I'm going to survive this encounter.

"I can see why Giovanni approves of him," More shrill laughter from my mom has me tense, but Wally stops her next attack with a cyclone of wind. "If you somehow survive, he has my blessing as well."

"Thanks Mrs Zatara," I can hear the grin splitting his face, in spite of how dangerous the situation is. "Hope this doesn't change your mind."

"What are you talking abo-" She cuts of suddenly, as something slams into her at incredible speed.

"Too fast!" Wally curses and grabs my shoulders. "We need a shield and fast Babe, Lena made a sonic boom inside a glass castle."

With eyes wide in realization, I form a shell of shadow around the three of us. A massive boom comes a second after and then comes the shattering of the entire building.

Massive chunks of razor sharp glass, fall all around us, even as the floor collapses beneath our feet. Only the shadow keeps us in place, but soon Kon and Kori are bringing us into the sky and away from the deadly crumbling.

"Yeah I don't think I'm keeping her approval," Wally laughs and then pulls me in for a quick kiss. "Okay now you can wake the kid up."

"Go faster!" Lena shrieks at us, my mom unconscious in her arms. "I knocked something out of her and it's mad!" Lena slams into the sphere of shadow with one arm and adds her own momentum.

It looks like a yellowish version of a green Martian, only covered in horrific burns. The spiked head, instead looks like a drooping slope and the facial features are barely recognizable. Only the bodies general proportions and shape, give me even a hint as to the origin of the so called Goddess.

Behind her, I can see thousands of her grey skinned dimwits and each of these can fly. When they close the distance between us enough to see costumes on each one, I know we're in real trouble.

<Get inside!> M'gann's voice comes a few minutes later, when we're somewhere over what looks like Rhealasia.

Doing as instructed, the three shove us inside the Bio-ship's open hatch. I can see a few dozen of the Drow are on board, but all look infirm and not a threat. Richie looks to be seconds from having a breakdown, so Wally's words really don't help.

"Oh god, am I glad you guys found us." My boyfriend isn't looking at the others, just panting on his hands and knees. "We got an army in the thousands after us and I thought it was over."

"And whatever that thing is," Lena adds with her own worried tone. "God, demon, or other, it's powerful and wants to conquer Earth."

"Chris," Richie stops pacing, a look of placid calm on his face as he stares at Kon. "I want to thank you for everything, you're the best friend a guy like me could have asked for. And I have to thank for giving me a chance." He looks at Connor who nods back slowly, a look of apprehensive understanding in his eyes.

"Why are you saying these things?" Kon's in denial at his friends words.

"Because it's time for me to be the hero." Richie walks down the still open ramp and waves goodbye. "I need you guys to not wait up for me, I'm going to do some Damage and stop them from following." With that he jumps and the ramp retracts at Connor's command.

"Let me get him!" Kon slams a right hook in our leader's face, sending him to the floor groaning. "We can't leave him!"

"We need to fly into the window he makes." Connor doesn't respond to he demand. "He's breaking everything made of glass, so we need to go. Unless you want to be here forever."

Lena nods at a look from Artemis and grabs her brother, forcing him into a seat. Kon struggles, but command from Connor finally makes him listen.




drahciR eiloF
Htrae
yraurbeF 3, 2011
7:09 MA,
TSC

It takes every ounce of my willpower, but I'm finally able to make up for the Damage i did by accident. Ironically, I'm doing so by purposefully doing more than I could have ever imagined.

"You. Shall. Not." Oh my god, I can't believe I have a reason to actually say this."Pass!" With extra emphasis on each following word, I focus my power on all the glass I can see.

When you're in orbit between a moon and planet made entirely of the substance, a guy like me can do some real damage. As soon as the Bio-ship passes through the sheet of glass I made into a gateway, I shatter everything at once.

"Seven billion to one?" With a roar at the advancing army of Bizarros, I channel every iota of rage I have suppressed my whole life. "You fools are outnumbered here!"

Forming the moon into a sword fit to kill a god, I bring the blade through the demon's torso and relish her shriek of agony.

Shaking from excitement and not from fear, I unleash the shards of the planet on the rear of the army. As the army is torn to pieces, I remember to shatter every mirror in the Mirrowway and leave them trapped here with me.
 
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