In the Living Room

In the Living Room

I spent the better part of the night organizing my information, so I could write my story.  There were two stories that would go out. The first one had already hit the evening edition.  It was all about what happened at the museum.   I gave an eyewitness account of everything that I saw and incorporating the information that some of the other bystanders that were there.  I was able to give a firsthand account of what happened inside of the museum.  What happened outside I had to lean on what I was being told by the individuals that were where in the area and took cover nearby.

Together there was a well written article that went out on the evening edition and online.  The press conference brought another element into the story. It was my first press conference, so I was nervous about how it would go.  I had to provide information to the online edition to make sure that the Planet’s site was updated as information came in.  The full story would go out online with it also being covered   in tomorrow’s edition.

I found the conference enlightening. It took only a few hours to get everything together and for me to exit the building, but the moment I did I looked across the street and a car waiting for me.  The window rolled down and a familiar face was on the side of it.

”Get in.”

I could say no, but it didn’t sound like I was being given a choice in the matter and I know that it wasn’t coming from Aaron.  Walking to the back seat I slip inside, because this was my Uber driver that I didn’t request.  Fastening the seat belt I leaned back against the seat taking a deep breath.

“On a scale of one to ten how bad is it?”

Aaron didn’t look back at me he kept his eyes on the road as the car moved down the highway.

“I’m going to go with an eight borderline nine.”

“Really?  You’re not overselling it a bit?”  That got me silence which was something that would annoy most people, but I was used to it.  You grow accustomed it to it when dealing with the Coles.  True Aaron wasn’t Joshua, but it didn’t stop him picking up several of his habits.

“Right then.”  So where were we going. I could ask, but I pretty much knew that I wouldn’t get too many questions answered. It was a bit more than an hour before we arrived at our destination.  The car continued going until it came to a stop and the door opened.

”Come on.”

Walking from the car onto the airstrip I headed to the plane that was waiting for us.   Did we always have to do this?”  The cabin door opened, and the staircase came down. Climbing them I stepped inside and Joshua was already shutting the door behind me.

”Take a seat. Wheels up now.” The first was for me the latter was for Joshua.  I walked into the main cabin which was anything but normal.  Taking a seat I strapped myself in and waited for the plane to take off. Didn’t really matter where we were going, but I knew the deal.  Joshua didn’t like standing around.  He preferred to be moving, always moving, whether it was on the ground, the air or on water he had to be moving.

“So, your first press conference?”

I looked over at him, taking a deep breath.

“Yes.”  I thought performed well.

”Let’s take a look shall we?”  Joshua said as he looked across from after we were air born.  He turned to the screen which was a replay of the press conference. He skipped ahead until he reached the Wonder Woman portion.

“What do you think?”

Okay not the question I thought he might ask.

“I’ve only head reports.  I haven’t seen her action.  I can’t assess her fighting style.  She’s the daughter of Zeus.”

”You believe her?”

“Why wouldn’t I? Wouldn’t be the first time and we both know magic is real.  You do possess the key.  Are you worried?”

”She would make for a powerful ally.”

The moment we reach cruising altitude I undo my seat belt.

“Wait so I’m supposed to go on a recruiting drive?  This is an internal Atlantean affair.  I’m not going to involve outsiders.”   I know the way that it sounded.  It’s not like that.  “It will only complicate matters.   That’s not my mission.  I haven’t finished my assessment.  Involving outsiders, landwalkers could…it would send the wrong message.  Especially given my presence here.  I was sent to observe.”

Why does this have to be so frustrating.

“You’re beyond that.  We both know that.  What happened to everything you said before?  During rehab?”   I was in bad shape. I said a lot of things and Joshua knows it.  Let me organize me thoughts.

“They’re attempting to build a collation.  Bringing them into this matter would help no one.  Not me. Not them.  There are still things to determine there.  There’s no indication what the American government will do.  I suspect right now they are giving them enough rope to hang themselves with. There will be a reckoning and it’s unclear who will initiate it.”

That much is clear. Whether it was her intentions or not a gauntlet was tossed down before the government.   This group is free from their strings. They are independent and given everything I learned while living among the surface dwellers I know that Luthor’s administration will not entertain this for long. If they cannot control this group, then they will not allow it to continue to exist.

“The ocean has been quiet, silent.  With Orin’s…” I fix my lips to say and I can’t.  All this time and I still can’t say it. “With him gone Orm has retreated to the depths.  We’ve given them no problems to come after us to make demands.  I have no idea what communications have occurred between Atlantis and the US government.  I rather not complicate matters. It’s too soon to know how this will shake out.”

I liked a lot of what was said, but we don’t live in a vacuum.  “Our governments are no friends of ours, Joshua you know this.  This group is untested, and they have challenges of their own to overcome.  You were the one that told me that I shouldn’t act recklessly.  I should learn more about the surface world determine who I can trust and who I can’t.  I will not jeopardize something that’s in its infancy to further my own goals. I know what’s at stake.” That should never be forgotten.

”Okay, then tell me why this happened?”Joshua pauses the conference at the moment I step forward to introduce myself and ask not one but several questions.

”Use the Planet to learn to see what the world is like. Attend college to get an idea of what new young minds are thinking.   Live in Metropolis to experience life outside of school and work. These are the things that we wanted, that your father wanted he wanted you to make an honest assessment,”  Joshua reminded me.

”Orm monitors surface communications. Black Manta monitors all communications.  Your hair is different.  Your face, altered slightly, but you voice.  It’s cadence its tone.  There was only so much that can be done.  You wanted to be able to move about freely. I agreed. I encouraged it, but you weren’t supposed to be in front of cameras.  These are mistakes you can’t afford. We can’t afford.” 

Not now he wanted to say, but he left it unsaid.

”If you’re not ready to reveal yourself to the world in any capacity you can’t allow yourself to be placed in situations where you could be exposed.”

Honestly, it was only a matter of time.  I can’t live like Joshua.  I can’t constantly be on the move.  One day I will return home and undo all that Orm and Manta have done. I restore Atlantis to the place it once was, but until then I will learn all I need to know about the surface world.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  It is a beautiful world.  It reminds me of the one that I left behind, the one that I can no longer return not now.  Still, if nothing changes then I will always talk about returning being at some point instead of something better.

”And don’t think I haven’t noticed the reports about a mysterious stranger assisting in disasters at sea.”

“I don’t, but I have noticed that you haven’t stopped me.“ It is the way I choose to honor my father.  I also can’t be my father.  I have to see for myself with my own eyes, before I make any move to be more than I am here.   He didn’t trust the people he worked enough to tell them that he needed their aid.  He needed more than the Others, but the older generation didn’t trust one another they kept each other at arms-length.  It was easy to divide wasn’t whole.   He always thought he would have time, but time is promised to no one.

Borrowed time is all we have and eventually it runs out.

“I did my job.  I was given an assignment and I believe I did it well. I was competent asking questions that I believe the Planet readers wanted answers to. I let the world know what this group, what Wonder Woman is attempting to achieve.  She is attempting to bring hope into a world that was on the edge, on the brink of teetering into hopelessness and that needed to be communicated to world, to everyone that was watching.   There are people willing to stand for what’s right for everyone without strings, without monitors.” I took a deep breath.

“They have a chance to do it right and whether or not I’m a part of that will be my decision and mine alone.”

I know he’s worried and he’s showing his concern the only way he knows how.  Joshua wasn’t known for his hugs, more for showing me how to break a person’s arm in at least three different places.  Knowing who to talk to and how to talk to them to get what you wanted. He had a set of skills that went beyond pep talks over cocoa.  That wasn’t his style.

“If we’re finished I would like to go back.  I have a meeting with Mister White in the morning.  He’s going to assess my performance.  I would like to get a swim in before it gets too late.”

Pep Talks and Press Junkets

Cassie: The flight from Coast City to Metropolis was quite uneventful. Actually, it was probably the most uneventful twenty minutes of my entire day, unless you count the very brief period of time that I spent at school this morning. Was that this morning? It feels like a week ago at this point. I actually expected to have maybe a little bit longer to sit down before the trip was completed, but clearly this journey was a better display of exactly how quickly this particular Invisible Jet can move. Long enough for us to learn the basics of using the phones we’d been given. Long enough for Wally to inquire about snacks, which were provided. Long enough for me to introduce myself to Alfred Pennyworth. Not long enough for a lot of other things, though. Like listening to the forty seven voice mails I have on my phone, now that I’m able to access them again. A streak from Conner, then Mom. Then Tim. Everything that had tried to filter in since I came back from Olympus.

I think we actually made it back to Metropolis faster than we took to enter the vault, and then get to Coast City. I don’t even want to guess how much it costs to fuel this thing, or the price tag to build it in the first place. I about choked when I found out how much the phone, which is now in a pile of transmuted jewelry at my house, had been. Maybe Tim can liquidate that and recoup some of the mini-fortune. I just didn’t bring them with me. Speaking of Tim…

Once we’ve landed, I send everyone off the plane. I need a minute to collect my thoughts, and my body still feels a little wobbly though not nearly as bad as it did before. Mostly, I just need a minute to talk to Batman. The plan, which was shared with everyone, had been to help clear up the wreckage some. To make sure there was no longer anything roaming around that shouldn’t be. And once the inevitable news crews gathered, I’d have my introductions to make. Officially. I’d be out to join them in a moment, but first?

“Where’s Tim?”

Admittedly there could be an explanation in one of those many, many voice mails and texts I’ve gotten but I haven’t slogged through them yet. I’m not trying to look imposing. I’m only a couple inches over five feet, so there’s only so much imposing you can be without putting in the effort. Like flying, or scowling, or folding your arms. I’m just leaning against the back of the chair I vacated a moment ago to make ‘requests’ of my friends.

Dick:  The Invisible Jet is a pricey ticket. It isn’t your standard fare, to be sure. One of the R&D planes that was originally being built for the military, as a high altitude recon and deployment carrier. It happens to be my understanding that Bruce was originally intending to use it for a group he was putting together, but with his passing Tim took some initiative. Purposing this jet for the squad that Wonder Woman is assembling made a lot of sense. Between the stealth technology and the capacity for high speed deployment? It makes a lot of sense actually. Logically, though you couldn’t prove it with the group on board right now, she’ll eventually be bringing people on board that can’t run or fly faster than the plane moves.

Then there are the communication devices that Tim had me pass out to the ‘Members’ of this little squad. They’re nearly indestructible. Compact. Light. Small. Visibly indistinct from virtually any other ‘smart phone’ on the market. Each one has a privacy up-link to the satellites that Wayne Enterprises has. Giving each person with one of the devices ready access, not just to one another, but to a veritable treasure trove of information and computing power. With the ability to ‘jack’ in to almost any signal on the planet, there’s also virtually no way for them to be cut off from the rest of the world.

Exactly how much was Tim spending on all of this? How was he hiding it from the share holders? Bruce could make money come and go with a snap of his fingers. I can’t even count the sheer amount of times he drug me to board meetings, just to learn that aspect of life. I’ve just never quite been the financial guru that Bruce or seemingly Tim is. Still, it leaves me to wonder how much my little Brother is doing. How similar he is to Bruce, that all of this would be happening with Damien or I even knowing about it.

The ‘Invisible Jet’ was designed for Troop Deployment. Cassie finds me in the room with the large mapping surface. Where the plans for that deployment would no doubt be worked out. It has afforded me an a place to study the new ‘Team,’ while reading the briefing material. Playing catch up is never fun, but doing it on the fly is even worse. I’m doing all of that, plus still worrying about the same things that kept me out of this costume in the first place.

In all of that? I hadn’t missed Tim’s notes about Cassandra Sandsmark. Smart. Deceptively aware of her surroundings for a blonde cheerleader. I’ll have to remember not to hold to the old sterotype with her. “While you were dealing with this crisis, Superman was busy. He made a trip to France, but on his way back he spent significant time in Coast City, investigating energy signatures that corespond to the same emerald energy we associate with the Green Lantern power rings. Then he made a trip to Gotham, where he confided in the Black Canary that his employers are moving against her friends. As a Warning to keep her quiet.”

“Tim put her in the line of fire, by using her as an Agent in the field to distract Superman in the first place. So he feels responsible and wants to help her deal with it,” gloved fingertips run across the controls on my gauntlet, insuring that the Jet is sealed momentarily, so that I can lift my hands as one to pull the cowl up and off. “My name is Richard Grayson. I’m one of the adopted sons of Bruce Wayne, Tim’s eldest brother. The original Robin and Nightwing, if you ever happen to read the news out of Bludhaven or Gotham.”

“This was my burden, but Tim picked it up when I wasn’t ready to. He does that a lot.”

Cassie: Virtually indestructible, barring a completely literal act of God that is. I’m definitely glad to have a phone again, but more than that I’m glad everyone else has one now, too. I’d assumed that Tim would have some sort of communications plan in the works already, part of the long game when he began to give me the files of other ‘like minded’ individuals. Not that he could have known that, not entirely. I think that maybe there’s a level of predicting what things will play out based on information you’ve got access to, but I’d definitely felt better after meeting them. Freddy’s so earnest it’d be hard to believe he wasn’t a good person, and Wally wanted nothing more than to get right back out there and help his city. Even with his own freedom and life in danger.

The Batman is a looming, ominous kind of figure. Much more intimidating without even trying than I am, for sure. But that’s part of the costume design I think. Batman was supposed to terrify people. That deserved it, anyway. My outfit’s not going to scare anyone. It’d probably need a whole lot more armor for that. Maybe some pointy weapons.

“…he was in Coast City? He must have left right before we arrived.”

Otherwise I don’t think we would have missed him. The timing was convenient. Clearly Conner’s been as busy as I have, today. The more concerning part is that he was in Gotham. Telling the ‘smoking hot blonde, with legs for days, and a lot of other really great attributes apparently, something that I didn’t know. I have to mentally refocus myself, for just a moment, before I let that ugly emotion in the pit of my stomach try and make something out of itself. Because I don’t actually have a reason to be jealous, something I’m very aware of. And I’m not telling Conner everything, so it stands to reason that’s the kind of information he can’t tell me without making it look bad.

“That’s not good. Is there anything we can do to help? I… mean. I want to help, but it might be a little soon I suppose.”

I’m not sure the rest of our foundations are secure enough yet for a direct move. I’m not sure what we did this morning to intervene for Flash was the smartest move either but..it had to be done. That stepping up of plans has just kind of been like…my whole day, today. He lifts the cowl up which surprises me a little, honestly and I do him the return courtesy. Finding the little tiny, hidden switch for the facial alteration technology and dropping the older features that I show the world in favor of the ones I was born with. I’m actually relieved nothing has happened to Tim directly, which had been my concern when Batman had shown up and I actually got to walk past him. Because Tim’s taller than me, but only by a little. His Batman suit made him taller than that, but not nearly as tall as his brother is.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Richard. I have read some. Admittedly most of it pretty recently. Is this going to be.. permanent then? Are you ready to pick it up?”

Dick :Another series of touches along the gauntlet of my left hand, changes the various holographic displays once more. Satellite imagery takes over the deployment screen. Giving Cassie a bird’s eye view of Superman’s flight path. He was concentrated in Metropolis for most of the day, with very little movement. Then he’d gone to Italy and back, then to France. His stop over in Coast City has a time-stamp that is mere minutes different from the change of Isis’ position in Metropolis. However the ‘Fates’ conspired, they did so perfectly. Superman went to France just in time to miss the invasion of the Museum. He left Coast City for Gotham, just in time to miss their arrival there.

“Although, the Green Lantern’s signature never moves. He was there the whole time, but did not interfere in the overall outcome of the situation. Seemingly, at least. I have my suspicions about why. That rainfall seemed to be spawning reanimated corpses. The Flash did an excellent job of keeping them off the Battle Field, but that was an enormous storm. Rain everywhere. Not one corpse made it in to the fight. I’ll need to take a closer look, but if my suspicions are correct? This new Green Lantern was dealing with the the outlying creatures. That speaks well for his intentions, as well as his awareness. His presence in Coast City would spark fury, so not getting involved directly? Means he helped you, without putting himself on television in Coast City.”

For the most part I’ve yet to move, but I’m watching Cassie for reactions. Closely. I wanted to see how she handled meeting me. How she took in my willingness to share my identity with her. To tell her the truth, without keeping secrets that I might not even had a reason to share. Tim has counselled me that Wonder Woman was integral to the overall plan, but I rarely do anything based purely on the perceptions of someone else. I like to form my own opinions, if only because for so long Bruce expected me to work solely upon his and I hated that.

Her question about the situation and the offer to help? Has me shaking my head quickly. “Not right now, no. I think what you’re already doing is help enough. Your path? Is a little more public than the one Black Canary is going to endeavor to take. What you’re doing? You, Wally and Freddy. There is nothing more important. You’re establishing trust again. Trust in people like you, to do what is best for everyone else.”

That’s why I’m here. Gotham needs a Batman, but Tim seems to think that so does Cassie and her team. Me? I’m actually not so sure. Just being on this plane with the three of them made me feel out of place. “My friends and family call me, Dick. As for being ready? Honestly, I think if you ask someone that question and they tell you yes? They’re either lying about being ready, trying to put on a brave face or shouldn’t be trusted to put this Cowl on in the first place. No one is or should be ready for this.”

“And it’s as permanent as anything like this can ever be when you’re putting on a costume and fighting crime with a bat-shaped boomerang.” The attempt at levity is to keep things light, because I never thought there would be a time when this suit wasn’t worn by Bruce. To me? That was permanent. I was wrong then, I don’t want to be wrong about it to someone else. Even if that isn’t what she’s asking, exactly. “Tim did something. Something I never thought could happen. He took Batman and made him a hero again, with you and the Flash. So when you need me? I’ll be there, but otherwise? Batman’s place is in Gotham.”

“Besides, you’ve already got a Robin on your shoulder. No need for Bats in your belfry too.”

Another joke and then the cowl is then lifted back up. Pulled down casually in to place and once more she’s alone in the room with Batman. I’m taller than Tim by far, so the tips make me look even larger still. In a room, on a plane, surrounded by electronics, holographic displays and a enormous bright map right in the center? Apparently it’s still possible to blend in to the shadows. There’s not even a sound as I come around the table, to approach where she is leaning. Now consumed by the cape, which is even longer than Tim’s was.

“Take your time. You’re going to be nervous. The press are going to push to ask questions, but remember that they’re there to see you. They’re suspicious. Especially of people like you. People with abilities. They fear what happened in Coast City, they fear what they saw happen at your Museum, but there is something more powerful than suspicion and fear. We all grew up with the stories. Greece and it’s Gods, became Rome and it’s Gods. That in turn became Knights in Shining Armor. Which gave way to Musketeers Three. Along the way, we Wondered and we Marveled. What’s out there? Are we alone? We spent out childhood wanting to see the stars, walk on the moon…. or fly. How many people wanted to leap small buildings? How many little boys wanted to be faster than a speeding bullet? Or Girls who wanted to be as powerful as a locomotive?”

“What does it feel like? When you’re out there. In the sky. The wind is whistling through your hair. There’s no one out there. No gravity holding you down. No tethers to pull you back to the ground. It’s Wonderous, isn’t it? The best feeling in the whole world. You’re living the dreams of every little boy and girl. Somewhere inside of those Reporters, is a little boy looking to be a Hero. A little girl looking to be just as strong or stronger than any little boy. If you can tap in to that, if you can find the wealth spring of imagination that still lives in them? You can win this ‘War’ without ever throwing a punch.”

Cassie: On one hand? It’s very neat to look at the information he’s showing me. I’ve seen Tim pull up all kinds of things. Remotely. Through my cell phone which was apparently also a mini-transformer. This is the kind of information that they’ve got access to there, and we’re really lucky they’re on our side. My side. On the other, though, I have to assume that this is also the kinds of thing that NOWHERE has. Satellites, energy tracking, heat signatures and all kinds of other things. By all accounts, there isn’t exactly a whole lot of other mes out there, but they knew what they were seeing enough to start looking. I had a few accidents, but not a lot, and none that were very public. Enough that Conner knew before we’d even met what exactly I was probably capable of. I remember vividly him discussing the threat levels. What I’d been at that moment, the ‘potential’ number that they’d assessed me.

“I wasn’t thinking. About what she might bring up. It was just the most uninhabited place I thought we could lure her to.”

I don’t like that I hadn’t thought of that, especially after what we’d had to deal with in Metropolis. I realize, having said that, that I probably don’t really need to explain myself to him. Or to anyone, really, because I know I’d made the best call in the moment. The doors only went to other museums, and such similar places. Those were all going to have people in or around them, trading one group of civilians for another. Maybe that’s not really my problem with the situation, though. Isis was a goddess. Osiris a god. I hadn’t thought through fully what she could do, and I’ve been studying mythology my whole life. I should know these things. I mean, if I don’t? Who will? Wally’s faster than me, Batman’s smarter and more connected, Freddy is wiser to go along with all the other powers he has, and Conner trumps me in every physical way, even before you factor in the tactile telekinesis and laser beams. What do they need me for? And why is this bothering me so much right now?

“Oh, okay. Um. Dick.”

I’m not sure if I’m comfortable calling him…Dick. I’m also pretty sure I just made myself blush a little as I muscle on through. I do take it for what it’s meant, though. He’s naming himself a friend, by giving me permission to call him like his other friends do. Which is good. Tim and I were friends long before I had any idea he knew about all of this. It made it easy to even consider the whole…thing. I’m asking people that don’t know me, or a thing about me, to do this thing.

“I think you’re right. About any of these suits. It’s more about willing, once you’ve got it on, than ready.”

I wasn’t ready. I mean, Conner and I had talked about it but that isn’t the same thing at all. He was ready, but he might also have qualified for Dick’s third option there. ‘Not trusted.’ He was also literally born, and bred, to do what he’s doing right now. But for someone and something else. I want Conner to be able to do those good things, of course, but only if that’s what he wants. It takes me a moment to really decide whether or not he’s joking. I don’t know him, or his sense of humor like I know Tim’s. I decide it’s one at his own expense, and crack a little bit of a smile. That turns into a soft laugh at the bats in the belfry joke.

“Maybe not. And I think Batman’s always been a hero. Just maybe to a smaller…subset of society. Definitely to the people in Gotham that needed him. Whoever ‘he’ happens to be that probably doesn’t change. I think that’s the best way to do it, though. I mean. You looking after Gotham. Flash in Central. Freddy in Fawcett. None of us can really be everywhere. I just want to make sure there can be lots of us that are everywhere.”

Without NOWHERE taking them off the board. But heroes to their own city. Someone that people can look to, or maybe count on in that moment when they’re hoping for help and don’t think anyone else is listening or looking. When Batman approaches me, I can’t help but stand up straight instead of continuing to prop my arms on the back of that chair. The looming. Or maybe it’s just the height difference and I don’t want to seem shorter than I already am. It takes me a moment to realize what he’s actually telling me. The advice that I’m getting. He’d probably know about the press, wouldn’t he? I’m sure he had to deal with them many times. I’ve done it once, directly. Conner’s a much better showboater than I am but again… born to literally do exactly what he’s doing.

The tension’s back in my face, I’m sure showing in the way it always does. A little wrinkle between my eyebrows as they pull together, but when he asks me what it feels like when I’m flying? It goes away. The smile’s back.

“You talk like someone who knows exactly the way it feels. It’s the best part. My favorite thing. Maybe the only thing I’d be sad to give up. It’s like there’s some giant piece of the world that’s just for you, mixed with your heart leaping into your throat and never settling back down again. And then walking is so… plain after.”

Which might also be one of the reasons that I do it so little, besides the whole secret identity thing. It’s hard to want to come back down. And I’m not sure that getting used to it is necessarily a good thing. Blowing out a puff of air, I straighten a little more.

“I’d like that. The not throwing a punch part. Thank you. That helps. A lot. I think I can do that.”

I just am going to have to give them a little more of me, and who I really am, than I had before.

Dick : “You weren’t thinking about how the mystical entity, you didn’t think even existed a couple years ago, could raise the dead? Or you weren’t thinking about how such a thing might impact the Newspaper, because you were more concerned about doing the right thing in the moment?”

Both are valid questions. Each are also questions that she should probably not be worrying about asking. Because they’re equally absurd to be pondering. Will people ask those questions? Undoubtedly so and Cassie Sandsmark or Wally West or Freddy Freeman are going to have to come up with answers that people will believe. Managing the truth is going to be important, because they’re going to want to be honest. While also being believable. For now though, it’s more important for her to know that those are not questions I was asking.

There’s a small, but very obvious shake of the head. “No. Batman was not always a Hero. You’re young, so maybe you don’t remember it but a few years ago Crime in Gotham got really out of control. Our special cases get housed in a place called Arkham Asylum. When the Earthquake hit Gotham, it breached the Asylum. The State declared a state of emergency. The Federal government deemed the Narrows, a part of the city where Arkham rests, to be a ‘No Man’s Land.’ All across the country, but especially in Gotham, they blamed the Batman. Lex Luthor won the White House, by riding the tidal wave of people who agreed with him about it. Batman’s presence, the Gotham Police empowering him, caused the criminal element to escalate. To rise up to meet that challenge. My father lived long enough to become the villain of his own story.”

“You and Tim took a step towards fixing that. You gave me hope. Which is what made me ready, Cassie. That’s why I know you can do the same for the rest of the world too. If you focus on who you are. As opposed to who they’re going to make you be, if you let them.”

Looming is natural when you wear this suit, but Bruce always went the extra mile if he needed to send a message. This isn’t the time for that. So a hand is slipping out from behind the cape, to lightly lay upon her shoulder. How many times did Bruce do this with me? God, it feels like only yesterday. Not the ten years it really has been. That feeling of Batman putting you squarely in his sights, but not for the purpose of frightening you. He never tried to scare me. Bruce would break you down, but only to build you up again stronger than ever. I wonder if I have to actually do the former to get to the latter?

I sure hope not. Because I’m doing a terrible job if it is. “Maybe not in the same way you experience it, but I was born to be in the air. Free from the gravity of any situation. Alone in your thoughts. Looking down, across the skyway at life as it goes on beneath you. There’s a harmony to it. You can’t find it anywhere else, but up there. In the air. It’s impossible to be up there, without learning to respect the height and fear the fall.”

“It gives you a perspective so few others can understand and it leaves you unsatisfied by being on the ground,” gently squeezing her shoulder, reassuringly, but at the same time nudging her to turn towards the plane’s doorway. “Sometimes I think about how easy it would be to just stay up there. Above it all. Out of the range of all the things that drag me back down in to the mire. Then I remember that perspective and I think about how selfish I’d be if I didn’t share it with others.”

A few paces away from the two of us, I see Alfred Pennyworth standing there. He’s prepping to open the door again, but is standing there holding what looks like a child’s lunchbox. ‘I’ve taken the liberty of organizing a press conference. Anonymously of course. Here. This is for the team. I’ve put some granola bars in there for Mr. Flash. There is also some cheer wine for the toast. Also, I thought you might like to know. The Daily Planet is reporting that ‘Superman’ showed up not long after you disappeared. He’s been cleaning up the disaster at your Mother’s Museum, quite earnestly according to the reports.

Now. Chin up. Back straight. Let me fix your hair. That-a-girl. Don’t forget to smile for the camera. Now, last bit of advice. When they ask you a silly question, like what keeps this top from being a super-heroine’s wardrobe malfunction? Look them straight in the eyes and say ‘Magic.’ That’s what I told the Queen to say when they kept asking about her ruddy crown, not falling off.

When she turns again, she and the Butler are alone. I will be there. At the Press Conference. Standing there, along with the Flash and this Shazam fellow. For now though, I think it best if Cassandra was left with the Professional. Few people in the world could hope for a better mentor than Alfred Pennyworth. “They do that. It takes some getting used too. Terrible skill, if you ask me, but Master Bruce insisted on teaching the boys. They practiced it as children, whenever there was dishes to be done or laundry to be folded. Very unseemly.

Cassie: “Both. Well…no, definitely both, but it was a whole lot more the second one one.”

Newspapers? Were the furthest thing from my head. I went from worried about my mother, to worried about everyone else, and that had basically been the stop-point of the thought process. Getting an angry, singleminded goddess out of a very populated city and into a space where the only people to hurt… well. Was me. And my friends. The latter I would have avoided if possible, and I guess I’m the one who took the worst of it. This time. So that’s something.

“That’s kind of the whole point, isn’t it? Of all of this.”

I may only be a seventeen year old girl, but I had a pretty firm grip on who I was and what I wanted to be. Then I got superpowers, and found out I wasn’t actually entirely who I thought I was. I was something else, too, and I could do other things. Learned the world wasn’t at all what I’d thought or expected. I think everyone gets that rug pulled out at some point, about the world and how it works. They just don’t always hear the words demi and goddess at the same time. I had to have some shoves to kick-start me again, but I know at least in the short term what I want to do. Because as long as NOWHERE is in place, doing what they do? Then no one elsegets to be who they are, instead of what they make them be. I’m not…so naive as to think that doesn’t mean liberties for the people who don’t have as good a heart as my friends out there do, but they should still get the chance to choose their path.

I find myself smiling up at Dick again, and more appreciative than I can really say of that encouragement from someone who doesn’t really know me, but still seems to believe that I can do this. It’s not that I doubt what I can do but… taking a giant crocodile bite is a whole lot easier than getting out there and trying to be a symbol of something that you’re not totally sure you’re the best rep for.

“To be totally fair, the falling part isn’t what I worry about. I’ve done that. I crashed in a pretty epic fashion the first time I went really high. It didn’t hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would. Just my ego. The fear is…what if I never get to feel that again? But. I’m pretty much invulnerable. I guess I maybe take a little different lesson from it…”

There was a poem that I always liked, that took on a whole different sort of meaning to me after my powers. I may even put it in that silly yearbook that everyone keeps insisting I’ll be glad that I have in twenty years when I want to look back on these ‘glory days’ of my senior year. What if I fall? Oh, but my darling…what if you -fly-? That’s what he’s talking about, though. No, everyone can’t fly like I can. Not everyone can do what any of us do, most can’t. But reality doesn’t stop kids from pretending they’re ponies, or dragons, or Ninja Turtles, or rock stars. And the world sure looks like a better place when you can imagine.

I’m left blinking at Alfred and what he’s holding, tilting my head at the inescapable thought of being sent off to your first day of school. Scared and unsure if the other kids are going to like you, or not, or if someone’s going to sit at the lunch table with you.. though it’s kind of an absurd thought for me to have. I didn’t go to school until last year and the other kids definitely weren’t nice to me. I try not to visibly cringe too much that the conference is already organized. Conner already being there and being helpful brings a bit of the smile back though.

“He always does like sucking up to my Mom.”

I’m a little flabbergasted at all the other fussing, though… I got a pretty good dose of electricity. God level. My hair has probably looked better first thing in the morning rolling out of bed than it does right now, and I can’t help laughing at his answer for the million dollar question.

“That’s not actually totally wrong… thank you Alfred. And Dick. I feel a lot be…”

-tter. He’s gone. I have so many questions. Namely about the vanishing though I actually assume he’s still here and I just can’t see him. Invisible Jet, that kind of thing. I’m not going to hunt, though. I’d also like to know more about Alfred Pennyworth and giving advice to the Queen. I assume England but… you never know with this bunch. So instead of any confusion, I just tsk softly at the chore ditching.

“That’s shameful. Even I have to do chores and I’m a goddess.”

If nothing else, I’m left with Alfred. Who is the beneficiary of a very gentle hug, though still very grateful. He seems more willing to take one than any of the other Waynes I’ve met. Then I’m off to face the firing squad. With my lunchbox full of snacks, and a hopeful outlook.


Chin up, back straight. Don’t forget to smile for the camera.

I don’t go straight there from the Invisible Jet. Not just because I need a minute to continue to psyche myself up or anything, I’d had a pretty good pep talk from both Batman and Alfred. Good advice. Some thoughts for perspective. And a lunch box. Part of the delay had been to deliver it to the area of the disaster zone with what I’ve learned is the tell tale streaks of red energy. Speed Force. Another few minutes spent making certain that any exhibit pieces that had strayed out of the doors of the building were being collected in one place, and with care, for the hopeful reassembly and return to use. While they are just things, many of them are irreplaceable and deserving of a little more respect than just waste or building materials.

So many things to see to. This doesn’t seem like it’s the job, but…I think it has to be. So much was made of the destruction left by powered people, the lack of responsibility they had for the aftermath and the people left in their wake. I definitely care about the museum, it’s been as much my home as the place I live the last two years. I think it’s important that they see that. Maybe even more important than anything I might directly say to the camera. Eventually it has to be time to go saysomething though. And I quickly discover that I’m glad Conner didn’t give me time to prep the last time. Hard to get worked up about what you don’t know is coming.

Back straight, chin up, I also don’t actually land. The tech I wear may change the way my face looks but it doesn’t make me taller. The inches that I’m hovering add that. Thanks for coming… I’m sorry that I was late… no. An apology implies that I owe them one for not taking time away from something more important sooner. Makes it look more like this was staged. Which it was, in a way. The important parts, Cassie. Which involves a bit of acting. Not something I’ve ever been very good at. Being a lot more serene, and in charge than I feel.

“I am sure you all understand that helping with recovery and clean-up is very important to me. But you have all said such generous things about me that I wanted to at least spend a few minutes together.”

There’s a smile like they’re in on some joke, with what has honestly been overall praise and good publicity for me since my debut. At the same time making it clear that if I’m held up here I’m being kept from a giant, superhero community service project. The little bit of laughter eases me a hair more, but I’m not letting my guard down. And of course there’s questions. So many questions. After a few moments of letting them shout them, I hold up a hand for silence.

“The attack tonight was an attempt to steal a relic that our hallowed museum held. We were to redirect the attack by luring the thief to Coast City, in the hopes of minimizing casualties and damage.”

The inevitable shouts of who ‘we’ could be were something that I was waiting for.

“I am indebted to my new friends, The Flash and Shazam, without whom there would have been much more damage, and risk of life. I could not have fought off this attack without them. They’re both tremendously gifted heroes, who served without a second thought of the risk. Risk to themselves physically. Risk to their loved ones. They only saw the need, heard the call, and answered. I can only hope that everyone give them the respect that they earned from me tonight. And I, Wonder Woman, Daughter of Zeus, would willingly and gladly fight at their side. Any time. Any place. As I know they would me.”

I may perhaps grow a little intense when talking about the ‘risks’ but then, that particular ‘message’ isn’t exactly only for the news outlets. They’re also getting another ‘fact’ about me, as to where I happen to come from. The shouts, the questions, only pick up once again, and many of them are things I’m not going to actually tell them. I don’t want to have to explain Gods possessing people, or what exactly was being stolen or why. Probably don’t need to inform anyone about Black Adam, and the diplomatic incident that might be.

“The attacker was subdued, and Flash, Shazam and myself insured that both thief and relic were turned over to the proper authorities, most able to take care of them. While we all hope that such a thing will not happen again, I’m personally comforted to know that now I can count on these two men to be there, should it do so. Now, I must get back to clean-up.”

There’s the question. I think that voice asking it sounds suspiciously British. Maybe I’m just hearing things. Still. Brings a bit of a smile to my face, as I start to fly off, turning in the air and letting myself feel the joy that always comes along with it. Maybe more importantly, letting them see what I usually only display up in the clouds with only Conner to watch. A smile, a wink as I twist in the air to change course. Totally unnecessary, I could have just steered my angle but this is more fun.

“Magic, of course!”

Jackson: This was a chance of a life time and he knew that there were people that were going to be clamoring to ask the same question and it would be a fight to be the first. Remember opening remarks. Recorder on, along with taking a few notes while Wonder Woman was speaking. I took down everything I could while the recorder got the rest. The shorthand lessons that Joshua helped with were coming in quite handy. So much so that I was already raising my hand when questions that were opened to the floor.

When acknowledge I led with would probably be an obvious question.

“Thank you Wonder Woman.” Always thank them for the acknowledgement. Don’t dive right into the question. They don’t know you so introduce yourself to them, which was especially important for me because it was my first press conference. Mister White was trusting with me a lot and I wasn’t going to let him down. “Jackson Hyde with the Daily Planet.” That caused everyone to turn in my direction. Who the %&$# is Jackson Hyde?

“First question. Can you divulge the nature of the relic? ” Why was it important for this individual to acquire it. Give a little context as to why they were searching for it. “Second question. Was this a solitary incident or do you expect there to be other assaults on other museums?” Should other cities be on guard for such thefts. “Third question…” Notice I didn’t say final. I know I’m pushing my luck and I haven’t even gotten into the other heroes.

“Was the relic itself dangerous and if so is it possible that other relics within the Metropolis Museum of Natural History pose a danger?” There’s no way to know if someone would find relics important enough to do this type of damage, but daughter of Zeus. Which I found interesting for various reasons, but right now I have to focus on what our readers will find important.

“Final question….” For the moment perhaps. “Is this a temporary association or this similar to the coalition of heroes that were gathered to deal with the Coast City incidents?” Incidents. “And if so is this separate from the activities of the D.E.O?”

Cassie: “Of course.”

Jackson Hyde, Daily Planet. From the reactions of everyone around him that’s a rather ‘shocking’ development, or maybe that’s confusion… it could be both I suppose. No one seems to know who he is, maybe that’s why I pay him a little more attention. Or maybe it’s because I was on the Daily Planet’s roof a little bit earlier tonight, at the call of what was supposed to be a Wonder Woman Signal. I’m not judging. Flash tried and he didn’t have any other way to find me. That’s fixed now. Fortunately.

“It was an Egyptian Amulet. A new acquisition to the Museum I’m told.”

Both things absolutely true.

“The piece has been moved, so I would not anticipate another attempt. As we saw tonight, the museum’s contents became quite dangerous, but the cause has been dealt with. I believe this was an attack related only to that one piece.”

The last question? That’s one I’ve got more answers for, and more details that I’m willing to go into. I didn’t exactly what to tell the world about God carrying amulets that possess people, and the power that might imply was available if only you stole the right piece from a collection.

“I will not speak for the others, but I will continue to fight alongside Shazam, Flash, Superman, and Batman as long as they need me to. They have earned my trust, loyalty, and protection in return for what they have offered me. And no, we are not affiliated with any organization currently. Government, or otherwise. Simply individuals, with a desire to help and protect, coming together to do together what we cannot do apart.”

Jacson: I keep my recorder going as the answers come. Egyptian. Interesting. I keep everything going. There are other reporters that want to get questions in so I can’t hog all of her time, but while I’m being a good cub reporter and getting the information down I neglect to turn completely away from the television questions that focused me for a moment and there’s a nearby microphone that catches my voice as well. “Thank you.”

Another reporter asks a few questions regarding this.

“Wonder Woman I have a question.” It was a reporter from GBS. “So this new psuedo team that you’re apart of are they registered with the government? Isn’t that what the current legislation dictates? Given what happened in Coast City is there some danger in working with unsanctioned heroes?”

Despite how it sounded I think it was something on everyone’s mind. I was curious to see how it would play out given some of the things I’ve read and learned.

Cassie: “Danger to whom? Myself? I did not inquire if they were registered or not before accepting their aid. There was not time, nor did I care. My concern, and I believe theirs as well, was only to save lives and stop the assault on our city. A choice I would make again.”

As for the part of the government, I already answered that question and would not do so again.

Jackson: People were till concerned. They were always going to be concerned that there could be another Coast City incident. The reporter from GBS attempted to get another question in, but another reporter jumped in with a few questions of their own. The questions were asked, but when I saw another opening I took it.

“Wonder Woman, Jackson Hyde for the Daily Planet again.” That’s right keep plugging the paper. I know I was getting scowls from some of the other reporters but I saw an opening again. “I understand that you will work with Flash, Shazam, Batman and Superman, but it sounds like you’re open to working with any meta human that is willing to do the same. Is this perhaps and open call to meta humans across the nation that there is a place for them? That they don’t have to be afraid to use their abilities to help and protect others.? That you would help keep them safe if they do or am I misunderstanding your intentions? ”

It was a lot to unpack there so I would leave it that.

Conner: Who runs late to their first outing as a Press Intern? This guy. It’s not my fault. I hadn’t actually planned to be here like this, I was intending to be here in Costume. Then some old dude for the Planet Called and told me that I needed to carry Jimmy Olsen’s camera bag. What the hell is that all about. I’d barely gotten there, when someone else recognized me. Ugh. One of the other reporters. Blonde Lady. Charming, but a little old for my tastes. She has all sorts of questions. Ranging from asking about my Dad, to talking about politics, to inquiring about the rumors of my playing College Ball.

I was considering eye lasering her when no one was looking, but then ‘Wonder Woman’ made her entrance and… wow. Cassie’s good at this. All the focus in the place is on her. No one seems to even be asking questions to Freddy, aka Shazam. Nor the guy with the growly stomach. This is a new vantage point, really. Down here on the floor, looking up there at the Hottest Girl in the world. Oh and her two Chums, too of course. It’s the blonde next to me, that kicks me in the shin finally that breaks the stupor.

Say your name, and who you work for, she whispers heatedly at me after I’ve yelped from being kicked.

“Uhm. Hi. Conner Luthor, intern for the Daily Planet.” All eyes on the Son of the President. Great Scott, this is awkward for once. “..uhm… well.. I think what the world really wants to know, no offense Mr. Hyde, but…”

“Are you single?”

Cassie: Variations on the same questions I already answered? Ignored. I may not look like I’m ignoring them, but that’s what I’m doing. See. I learned this little trick from my boyfriend where…well. There’s two tricks. Either he talks over and brushes past something he doesn’t want to acknowledge or answer, or he cocks his head to the side, much like I’m doing right now, and pretends like he’s hearing someone in distress somewhere. Or my Mom calling for dinner or…you get the point. Something besides what’s in front of him. Mind you, I don’t have super hearing like he does. But they don’t know that.

“Anyone who is willing to put their life, and freedoms, at risk to aid those around them that are in need? Is worthy of regard, support, respect and protection. Whether they have powers or not.”

There’s the head tilt again. Only this time, it’s for focusing on another Daily Planet rep, clearly they’re going for a shotgun technique here… or more likely Conner’s just decided to try and embarrass me. I’m not having it, no sir! Not right now. There’s an amused set of my mouth, my lips pursing together and to one side as I focus on this ‘lowly’ intern that happens to be the President Forever’s son, a fact that literally everyone standing here knows.

“Mr. Luthor? I’m busy.”

And with that, I shoot off into the air, back in the direction of the museum’s wreckage. There’s heavy pillars for me to lift.

Jackson: I had my recorder at the go when someone was pulling attention. Turning towards Conner I didn’t audibly groan, but my brow quirked. Really? I think I’ve seen him once. There were jokes around the office that his desk was starting to collect dust. I keep focused with the recorder ready to capture Wonder Woman’s answers when Mr. Luthor decides to toss out a ….is he trying to steal Cat Grant’s job.?

My brow arches at the question even as Wonder Woman provides a very interesting answer to mine while deflecting Conner, by exiting the press conference. Leaving the Chief of Police to provide some updates.

“Sounds like a ‘No Comment’,” the blonde chirps.

“Actually…” I start. “She didn’t say yes or no. It was pretty ambiguous and Wonder Woman’s reaction was curious, but I doubt anyone else noticed. They were too focused on the President’s son and Wonder Woman’s departure.

Conner: “Uh.. Can I quote you on that?”

The woman with the CatCo name badge is positively giggling at my handling of the whole thing. Of course, she’s probably also chittering about the way Mr. White is going to blow a gasket. Just great, I don’t even want this job and I’m about to get lectured for doing it all wrong. Oh, well. I give the gathered crowd a shrug, before I pick up the over-sized camera bag and sling it over my shoulder.

“… this looks like a job for… somebody else…”

Maybe I’ll let the secret service actually do their job for once. So as to keep Mr. White from harassing me. Lucky for me, Ms. Grant seems awfully helpful. Taking me by the arm in an effort to ‘help’ me escape the scrutiny of all the other reporters. People who might think to start bugging me about my Father’s plans, his politics or his views on this whole Wonder Woman thing.

Little do I know I’m in even bigger trouble with her, than I am with the rest of them. How is this hundred pound, soaking wet, nosey little thing pulling me around anyway? I’ve got super strength. Speaking of weird and unexplained… wow, Jackson Hyde’s lungs are sure odd. The rest of him isn’t bad looking though.

Secret Service to the Rescue! “Sorry, Jimmy, you’ll have to catch a cab. National Security and all that.”

Jackson: I finish with my notes as Conner is already making his exit. White still thinks he’s there as a plant for his father. Me I don’t know. Putting my things away I nod to Conner, because I’m pretty sure all of that is going to go over well with Mr. White. The other two heroes have vanished along with Wonder Woman. Interesting that she mentioned the Bat. Most of the time he sticks to Gotham, but there have reports about him outside of Gotham. Most recently in Central City where he, Flash and Wonder Woman were working together.

Perhaps the age of heroes isn’t over completely. Makes me wonder what kind of fall out there is going to be over this?

“You can Uber back with me, Jimmy.” If you like. Odd lungs indeed, but I was unaware that was being passively scanned.

Also speaking of fall out when I pulled out my phone I saw that I had 3 voicemails. Three isn’t a bad number. However, considering who the three were from I knew it couldn’t be good.

—-

Earlier in the Living Room. A young man in his twenties stopped to see the beginning of the press conference in Metropolis.

“Wow she’s hot.” He couldn’t help it. Everyone tended to say that when they saw Wonder Woman. What concerned him is when he saw the first reporter.

“Thank you, Wonder Woman… Jackson Hyde with the Daily Planet.” 

“Oh no…” Aaron muttered. “Grand…” He could barely get it otu.

“SON OF A BITCH WHAT DOES HE THINK HE’S DOING!” Joshua Cole said from behind his grandson.

Aaron decided it probably wouldnt’ be best if he said, “His job.”

“Granddad don’t…” Aaron’s words fell on deaf ears.

“Intern. Keep a low profile. Not have your face plastered over the networks!”

Night at the Museum Pt2

Cassie: As much as I’d like to stay here with my Mom for a minute or two longer, we can’t afford it. I know that. So I go through the doorway without another word, and set straight to clearing the path for everyone else. Moving what little debris is blocking the area that we’re exiting into. I don’t stay on the ground for long, though. Leaving the rubble behind, if only for a dozen feet or so, in order to get a better view.

“…seeing this in pictures and seeing it in person is…”

This kind of thing can’t happen again. The sheer amount of area that had been destroyed. All the lives, human and otherwise. My forehead wrinkles, distressed, and then angry, but I can’t let this be the focus either. I have an all too clear of that coming storm after all. Weather patterns don’t naturally move that fast, so that leaves us to assume who is coming. Which is good. Mission accomplished, right? Now we just have to deal with her.

“Incoming at three o’clock, gentlemen.”

Freddy: I thought about what Ms. Sandsmark said and knew that he had been putting a lot of thought into things lately. Sometimes you had to lead with your heart. The head was there to help balance it out. When we stepped out into the wasteland that was once Coast City he glanced around watching as Wonder Woman took to the sky.

I took this brief and I do mean brief moment to calm my mind. I needed it to settle and my heart it needed to be steady. They couldn’t afford them to pull me in opposite directions. Instead I needed to be focused, because when Cassie spotted the approaching storm that was Isis I knew that she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

Wally: Wally really hadn’t a clue what was going on between … well, all of this. And he wasn’t talking about what happened to Coast City and the lead up that made Luthor President. It only happening three years ago meant Wally didn’t understand most of what was going on in the political climate, and school mostly just gleamed over the facts as they couldn’t really go into too much detail about. But, that was fine. Wally … well, he didn’t even bother to look it up outside of school, even though his mentor, his Uncle was directly affected by this.

So, once they stepped through the doorway and Wonder Woman took to the sky, he looked to Freddy, then back to the oncoming storm. What was he doing here? He had no idea. But, he sure as hell wasn’t about Isis win. Because it sounded like she was bad news and bad news needed to be taken down. To bad they couldn’t search the Vault more. Surly one of the many things that Wally saw in there could be used. Though, he got the feeling they were all ‘Off-Limits’

“So, what’s the game plan?”

ST: Stepping through that set of double vault doors, opens in to what was likely once upon a time the sub-basement of Coast City’s Museum of Science and Industry. MOSI, was once filled with children laughing, playing and learning. It is now little more than a husk, a shell of remains that have only recently begun to be cleared away. Leaving the bulk of that work for Wonder Woman to do right now with brute force. The assistance of the Flash and Shazam’s would-be Champion will certainly help, but the effort to get through to the surface are going to take a little bit of time.

During which time, all the way across the country in that terrible farm town of Metropolis, Isis has been punishing the Museum there. Her agent had been downed, felled and perhaps captured. Yet that hadn’t stopped the spell he cast, which animated the museum’s undead exhibits. They were simply running amok. Attacking anything and anyone in their path. Which included Isis, for about a half-second, it took for them to be shattered to dust beneath her terrible power.

Once the Trio of Heroes emerged from the Vault though, her assault on Metropolis came to a very abrupt end. That single-minded pursuit of the Amulet that Freddy had gotten away from Fawcett City with, driving her to abandon the attack on the Vault-door in Metropolis. If only Cassie had her Cellphone, she would receive the phone calls telling her all about the excitement she’s missing by her boyfriend. Or the concerned requests for updates from Timothy Drake.

Those few moments the Trio have to breathe? Are just about -all- the time they get. No sooner do they dig themselves out from beneath the rubble of Coast City’s Museum than Cassie begins getting that eerie feel down her spine again. Freddy gets something even more. That same sense he got when he first opened the door to the Wizard’s sanctum, from that basement in Fawcett City. When he first put eyes upon…

Adam: Shazam!

“Ignorant Child! Do you even know what you’re doing?”

His words begin before their eyes even clear of the brilliant flash of light, explosive lightning that seemingly brought him to this place instantly. It was merely hours ago that Freddy saw him, at the Wizard’s Sanctum. Then beneath the school tearing in to the mostly helpless Crocodile Men.

He sure seems a lot more angry now than then, and he wasn’t exactly level headed then either. Was he?

“She is coming, boy and if she takes the Gods from you, she will raise this entire world.”

Cassie: Throwing an arm up over my eyes is not nearly enough to protect them from the sudden, unexpected flash of lightning. You’d think I should be getting used to that sort of thing. It’s been happening an awful lot lately. I’m still seeing spots, dancing across the dark and my vision, as I lower it and focus on who or what’s just appeared in front of me. I don’t need to be able to see though. That’s a voice that’s been burned into my brain, even if I know now it wasn’t really him. Teth Adam. Black Adam.

Part of me wants to say that no, we probably don’t know what we’re doing. And yet, here we are doing it anyway.

“She already came for it once. Better here than all of Metropolis going with it.”

I’m not sure we need to justify ourselves to him. I’m still not sure he’s entirely blameless in this situation, but I drop abruptly out of the sky, landing with a soft whump in front of Adam. Not close in front of him though, with narrowed blue eyes.

“Raze it? Or raise it?”

Wally: There’s a flash of lightning and Wally is surprised just how bright it is, and then the voice that comes from behind when his vision gets caught up to his brain. Rubbing his eyes.

“Insolent child? Who speaks like that today? Aren’t there better words? If you need a thesaurus for Christmas, you can count on me…Mr… Shazam?” asking as he finished rubbing his eyes seeing the big guy in black with a white lightening bolt across his chest.

“Buddy of yours? You guys could be twins. Though, I think he’d look better in red.”

Obviously Wally didn’t know really what was going on.

Freddy: I’m pretty sure we know what’s headed our way. I don’t answer Wally just yet, because I have a feeling. “Well, if things go as well as they have been for like the last several hours of so.” You know terrible. “Isis is going to be just one half of the problem, because I’m pretty sure Murphy’s Law is about to kick…” Before I can get it out there he is ready to punish me with insults and threatening glares…again. I shield my eyes for a moment before turning back towards everyone’s favorite Kahndaqian.

Can’t we put a pin him for like I don’t know at least a week?

“Homonyms gotta love them and Wonder Woman makes a fair point. Communication is key.” Yeah I know stir him up. “I mean you are the unmitigated ruler of Kahndaq and such and the US isn’t on great terms with the country. Wouldn’t you being here be considered an Act of War or something” I can’t help myself I should stop.

“But seriously if you’re here to tell me I’m a foolish child, threaten me and shake me until I give you the blessings. It’s not going to happen. Just like I told your possessed wife it’s not going to happen. Honestly, this is your fault, her fault and anyone that decide to play fast and loose with the rules. Now we have to clean it up. I have to clean it up. If anything, you’re really pissing me off because you couldn’t for a moment think, “Oh that might be a bad idea.” Even more the fact that you accepted something you knew wasn’t right. So, I don’t know who’s the more foolish here. Me because I want to fix this or you because you won’t take yourself of repeat. Sad fact is that the same choices keep being made and things just go from bad to worse.”

That said. “I’ll take us both out before I let any of the powers of Shazam be twisted into something they weren’t meant to be so huff and puff and blow me down, get out of my way or do something that could be considered I don’t know. Useful for once since you woke up and decided to start this vicious cycle over again.”

Adam: Cassie receives little more than silence. At first. Because the hooded figure of Black Adam is utterly zero’d in on Freddy Freeman. There is a sort of stone cold look in his eyes as he beholds the Challenger for the power of Shazam. “The Fate of the World dangles in the balance and you speak to me of meaningless politics, Challenger? Has the Wizard fallen so far, that he must recruit challengers from the ilk of Cowards now? The politics of this country are meaningless to me, when the entire world is at stake.”

When Freddy speaks. And speaks. And speaks some more. It merits a reaction. In that Black Adam slowly, especially for people like Wally West, raises his hands in order to pull the hood back. There is a long, measuring look from Freddy, to Wally, then Cassie. It doesn’t take Batman to realize he is considering them for threat levels. So then, what does it actually mean when he tilts his head in the direction of the Flash?

“Isis is even now riding the winds here. She chases that Amulet, in order to restore the soul it holds to life. She is seeks to use the power of the Gods to tame Death itself. You have brought her to one of the largest masse graves in the world. Since it is clear to me that the would be Champion and this Demigoddess are insane. Surely at least you, Speedster, have the ability to process this quickly. She is going to raise this City, to get that Amulet. Think quickly. How many Meta-Humans died here? How many can the three of you fight, before she takes his power -and- the Amulet?”

Cassie: I would probably find Wally’s running dialogue actually really funny at virtually any other moment, but right now I’m a little concerned with what’s going on around us.

“I wouldn’t call him that, Flash.”

Freddy himself says a lot of what I couldn’t help thinking myself. Black Adam is probably more powerful than any of the rest of us, maybe all of us, put together at the moment. I’m not sure I appreciate the way we’re being looked at either. I don’t wince at what he says, but my mouth does pull sharply to the side in displeasure. How was I supposed to know that? How would any of us know that and where else were we supposed to take this? I suppose the answer becomes nowhere, really, so much as a matter of speed for finishing it.

“And what if the Amulet’s no longer there to be taken? What happens if it’s destroyed?”

Something no one else has wanted to give me a straight answer, or any answer on. Third time’s a charm. It’s clear Isis will follow the thing anywhere. It wasn’t even safe in my Mother’s magic vault. Leaving us two options. Well. Three I suppose. Running with it forever. Letting her have it, or…

Wally: Listening to Freddy, and then Black Adam, Wally stroked his chin for a moment. Then looked to Wonder Girl, and turned to look at Freddy.

“We keep running, and she finds it. Like Wonder Woman said. ”

“Or, we destroy it. Or.. I don’t know… throw it into orbit. If I angle it right, and really push myself… I think I can launch it into sub-orbital around the planet. Let her chase it. Or maybe we can get someone like Superman to take it into orbit and launch it into the Sun. Unless you can?” asking as he glanced to Cass.

“I don’t really know what’s going on. But it seems that amulet is her homing beacon. And if she needs to be stopped..” trailing off as he gestures to the amulet that Freddy holds.

“If he” gesturing to Adam “Iis right. We’re nowhere near strong enough to take on a city full of dead people.”

Freddy: “Raise then” Adam isn’t the one to make a mistake, but you know sometimes you have to know, because really razing a wasteland doesn’t do much to help it. Raising the dead. Different story.

“I’m going to need that amulet.” That’s been running through my mind all day.” Two thoughts that I’ve tossed around. I didn’t get an answer from the question that I asked. I didn’t ask about destroying the amulet, because when you think about it what happens to what’s contained within. Cassie asked point blank if the essence of Osiris float away or something else. There was no answer, no real acknowledgement.

Here we are again.

“I have an idea.” Choice it’s always been about choice. Push it all away. The threats. The comparisons. Wondering whether or not you were the right person. If you can do it. I’ll do what I need to do, but I can’t ask anyone else to do it.

“She won’t listen. She won’t stop. She has a one track mind.” So why not? “I need you to trust me.” He said with nod before turning towards Adam.

“I need you all to trust me.”

Adam:  For the first time Cassie has said something that merits Black Adam’s attention. It’s as if she said the strangest thing too, because he looks at her like she has grown a third eye. “Others have tried to destroy it. It contains the entirety of a God’s essence. The Wizard himself, the one that this Challenger seeks the approval of, created it to house the essence of a mad God. It is strong enough to do so for thousands of years. It’s destruction is nearly impossible, but only nearly.”

“My question to you, Child, would be whether you’d actually kill one of your own in order to destroy it. And what happens to the one who does so? Surely it would not be further ‘Blessings’ from the Gods, if you were a God-Killer.”

Now Freddy is done with insults and asking for trust? There’s little of that in the air. Zehuti isn’t needed to know that the three of them do not trust him. Nor does he trust a Challenger, who’s so clearly failed in his duty to be a Champion. Admittedly, Freddy isn’t the only failed Champion in attendance, but you won’t hear Black Adam make that statement out loud.

“I could kill the three of you and take the Amulet, but that would take time we no longer have,” pointing past Cassandra in to the distance, at the storm that now spans the entire line of sight in the distance. “Since it is clear you will no do as I say, nor do I have the time now to force your hands. I will give you, the three of you, this opportunity.”

Two massive arms cross over barrel chest, in acceptance. “Let it be known, if you fail. That it is on your conscience.”

Cassie: “No. We’re not enough for that. Not to mention the… wound that would probably rip open.”

Not just from the inevitable weirdness that’s going to come from more risen dead, but the world itself. If the media were to roll up and show us fighting people’s departed loved ones, no matter the actual reason. I actually rather like Wally’s plan about orbit, I mean. That might work, or at least take her off world to find it. It doesn’t really eliminate the problem, but maybe at least delays it a little. Delaying the problem won’t help Freddy finish his trials, such as they are, however. I shake my head at his question, though.

“I’m not sure that I could. I’ve never flown that high, and I still have to breathe… I could still try though.”

I’m willing to try despite that, but Freddy apparently has a plan. Trust him? That I already do. He’s already proven far more insightful than anyone else I know, the things he picks up and the knowledge he has of all this that I don’t means I’m down to continuing to trust him, or trusting… Black Adam who likes to point out he can kill people apparently.

“I think if you were going to do that, you would have opened with it, Adam.”

He gets an almost withering look for saying that failure would be on anyone’s conscience. It already would have been. But that’s the key difference between the three of us and him, I think. Producing the amulet, it’s offered out to Freddy without me taking my eyes away from Adam, or the storm. Once he takes it, unless Freddy’s plan requires my presence right here, I’m taking to the air again. Maybe I can make a distraction of myself enough to slow her down, though I doubt it’ll be terribly effective. She’s here for the Amulet.

Wally: “Nearly, not impossible. If this were at the heart of the sun. She won’t survive.”

Pausing a moment, then looking at Cass and Freddy

“…Right? I mean, the pressure and heat alone…” sighing, he didn’t want to know if she would live or not. She probably would, knowing the way this was going.

“Right. Well, you do you, Freddy. We’ll hold her back as best we can.” what was he going to do? Well, he was going to do what he did best, and that was going to be run.

Wally could only think of one thing right now, and maybe that a little wind resistance would stop her. If anything slow her down. So, when he feels that he’s ahead of Wonder Girl, and infont of Isis, he’d start running in a circle. Trying to create a tornado vortex, pushing himself harder and faster. Wanting to push himself to that edge, wanting to keep his new found friends alive.

Hopefully Wonder Woman remembered this last tactic, except they weren’t on a roof top and he was going a whole hell of a lot faster.

Freddy: “What are you talking about. Anything’s possible when we put our minds to it. I believe in you Cassie. I believe you can do anything you put your mind to. ” I take the amulet from her hand gripping it tightly. “Were the line that stands between Order and Chaos. The Fellowship stands upon the edge.” Right here. Right now. “You didn’t make a bad choice. You made the right now. The one that protected Metropolis.”

He glanced towards Flash. “Believe in yourself, Flash. Believe the impossible is possible. Believe you swifter than the wind itself. You can catch light and hold in your hand. Believe that see it. Make it happen. Never stop running. We can do this. ” I might be leaning on Achilles with this. To bolster them. Cassie doesn’t need it really, but every bit helps.

“Remember who you are. I know what you did Adam. Thank you. You know, you never told me your wife’s name. Then again, I never asked. I know who you are, Adam.” He pushed off the ground floating into air. “We always have a choice. Don’t forget that. No one ever forget that. Keep them safe. Contender to Champion. Be the Champion one more time. The true one, not the false one. I may get one shot maybe two. I don’t know. Too much death. Too many bending to wills. Whether you want my trust or my obedience I don’t know Adam. One is earned, the second gets us known where. But let me try to save your wife” I look towards the approaching storm.

Isis was locked away in an amulet. Destroying an amulet. Destroys the god. I’m not giving anyone anything to feast upon. No more death. Do the right thing. Why can’t people talk to one another without talking down to one another? I said I would rather lose the powers of Shazam rather than have them fall into the hands of another, but she won’t stop until she gets what she wants, until she raises her husband.

I continue moving higher into the air remembering what Isis said if I die she will come for the power. The power of gods can be used for more than championing. She told me. She’ll burn them down like a candle he told me. Once extinguish they’l be gone.

“I can’t do it alone.” I say almost in a silent prayer. “I know you’re there watching waiting to see what I’ll do. What hand I’ll play. Everything has been about force about power destroying or trying to be a wall, but I’m a gnat. I’m in this. I’m not trying to prove myself to anyone. I’m trying to protect worlds. If it means I fail. I fail. I won’t let her take one more life or bend one more to her will. All I ask is a chance to try to end this. I am a contender not a champion, but I will not give up and don’t think I’m giving up now. Solomon. Mercury. Achilles. I need you now. You trusted me with your blessings. I need you to help me keep balance.

“Isis is the goddess of Life and Magic, elements sway to her, but dead…the afterlife. She reaches further than she should, because that belongs to someone else. I wish to end to talk to your wife to end this never ending storm. I need your aid.” If I become a Godkiller to protect them all i will, but I have to try. Holding onto the amulet I take a deep breath and lean on the three blessings to help me. Solomon I can’t flee not any more. I have to stand my ground. Achilles will help us. I need to be me. My strength of will to guide me through.

“OSIRIS!”

Adam: “Hold her back?” Sigh. “This isn’t something that can…”

There goes the Flash. Even Black Adam is a little surprised at the man’s speed. It isn’t the first time that he’s seen someone be so fast, but it might be the first time it was someone that didn’t have the blessings of a God doing so. A pity, Adam thinks, that he left so quickly that he won’t hear the warning.

“…you can hold back.”

Because it simply isn’t. There is no stopping Isis. Not empowered as she is. Black Adam himself stands there, cape flapping in the wind, as silent witness to what he has to assume is going to be the death of these children. The sole thing that impresses him? Is their friendship. Perhaps even a slight bit the bravery, though ill-placed as it seems to be. It is enough, on it’s own, to move him. Bring himself in to the air near Wonder Woman.

“The woman beneath the power of Isis is a good person. This is not her, that does this. The Gods are not always there to aide us.”

For now he watches. Seeing the way the Flash moves. The wind he kicks up. That tornado effect that he brings in to motion. There is a wince on Black Adam’s face though. Clearly he does not believe this will work. He says as much to Wonder Woman. “The Speedster creates a tornado, to slow down a being who commands the very air he’s whipping in to a frenzy. Did someone forget to tell him who he was fighting?”

Adam falls silent though as Freeman ascends in to the air. His silence allows the rest of them to hear Freeman’s words. Word, actually. For the first time Black Adam smiles.

ST: Adam smiles because he knows what Freeman has done. He’s said the God’s name, while holding the Amulet in his hands. The clues were always there. Right in front of them. Isis had taken a second hostage. Minerva had been her host, to try sneaking beyond the sorcery of the Wizard in Fawcett City’s Bank. The other Hostage, the forgotten one? Had been intended to House the spirit of the God, Osiris. Isis, the Goddess, needed a Host for her Husband.

Freddy connected the dots finally. In the vault. Perhaps realizing why Black Adam had demanded the Amulet and his powers. He needed them if he was to restore his wife. Unlike Cassandra or Freddy, destroying a life, even that of a God was not unthinkable to him if it brought his wife back to him. Whether that be through killing Osiris, bannishing Isis back to her Amulet. Or becoming Osiris himself? He was clearly willing to accept those outcomes.

Freddy made the choice for him. For all of them. Though little does he realize, he needed far less power to free to Osiris than he thought. Osiris wants to be free, after all. What he does with it now that he has it? That is the question.

The storm front has reached them. True to Adam’s words the Cityscape of Coast City is changing. Each drop of water from the rain, blooms a flower. Life is emerging from the rain. Which the flash only helps by whipping the water far and wide with his tornado. With life comes rebirth… and with that….

Comes the raising of the formerly dead Citizens of the Husk of Coast City. At the eye of storm is Isis.

Cassie: “I guess I have to be Legolas. Closest to a female character I’ve got.”

I’m not actually certain how much an issue most of what Isis might raise from Coast City would be for any of us. Two of us are in the air. Wally is faster than.. everything. I really have nothing else to compare it to. I don’t have the senses necessary to pick up exactly how fast he’s going, outside of ‘faster than I can believe.’ The effects are immediate. Much like the ones that comes with Isis’ arrival. The metas though, that may be another story and what we will really have to worry about and contain if she manages to get to any of them. Or at the very least to keep them off of Freddy.

“And yet, here we are. Just the same.”

I only spare a glance at Adam himself as he rises near me. I still don’t understand his game entirely. Maybe a little, down at the core, but what’s boiled out from there. What would I do, or wouldn’t I do, for Conner?

“What did you put in Minerva’s pocket. In Fawcett. Because I’m thinking this is as much your fault as anyone else’s. So is there a good reason you’re not putting a stop to it? If, like you said, this isn’t her? Then maybe she needs a jolt. Again. Who’s she going to take that better from? I’d sure want someone who loved me to stop me from doing something I couldn’t take back.”

Wally’s doing what he knows how to do. So I’m not going to answer that criticism. I am however, moving a hand to my belt, the loops uncoiling like I bid them, glowing and glimmering with the threads that made it. And energy. It’s not the only thing crackling though. The thick gold bracelet around my wrist, last bangle from my return trip to the Subway that I hadn’t taken off. I’ve got my own power, and I”ve got tools that I’ve been given. It had been a matter of will, and mentally entitled bossiness to get it to take that shape in the first place. It should work the same way in reverse again but for now, I’ll settle for the lasso. Wally may not slow her, but he can distract from my flyby that seeks to snare her in its loops.

Freddy: I spoke the name. I turned the key and I returned him to the land of the living yet he was within me. I could feel him, coursing through my veins. I tell myself that I must remain as I am. Frederick Christopher Freeman. I stand here between worlds. I can lose myself to this, but I choose not to, because I know who I am. I think of my parents. Gramps. I share with the god of the afterlife all that there is to know of me and the world I seek to protect. I hover in the air and share with Osiris all that has happened, all that I know.

“Peace. I wish to bring her peace, bring them all peace.” I whisper. “Help me.” I know gods are not kind and benevolent, but how much longer can this go on.

I focus on everything that is within my grasp as I come down to see the storm before me. He fights for control, to reach the surface, but it is not that I want to keep him at bay. I want to keep in control. I want to remain who I am. Freddy Freeman. I cannot lose this fight.

I feel my lungs with air so he can feel it. He lives again, but this. Look at this. I need him to see his wife, to see what she has become. How, far her madness has taken her.

I need to distract her. I reach out with the power of that I hold. I am the lord of the dead right now and they will not attack my friends. They will not hurt them. I will hold them at bay while using one of them or many of them to whisper to the Flash as he zips by. Amulet. They must retrieve her amulet. Take it. Release Adam’s wife from the prison she’s in.

I come into view for Isis to see. She needs to see and sense that Osiris is among them again. Draw her attention so she will not see what comes for her. Focus. No more fighting this city has seen enough death. Isis will not allow herself to be reasoned with.

“Isis…” I call to her to draw her attention away from my allies, my friends and Adam. Maybe if we make it through this I’ll get him a copy of Gran Torino. Seems like something he’d like. “Enough death.” I tell her. There has been enough death. Let them believe again. “Live again.” She wants death, but Osiris is not only the god of the dead, but of resurrection. Take this chance. I hope they got the message. Isis will be distracted on several levels. Cassie knows if we fight her head on she will burn through the powers she’s gathered. If I distracted it may be what we need.

ST: “Eh? What are you talking about, Woman. I wasn’t in Fawcett City, until Freeman released me from the Wizard’s Sanctum. Ask him yourself, he unlocked the door. I’d been there long enough to read most the Wizard’s Library. By the time I escaped, she had already come and gone from that retched place.”

Black Adam might be someone that Cassie loathes, but he doesn’t sound like the sort to be such an open liar. What would he have to gain by lying about it, especially right this second? There’s no doubt that he might lie, but why would he do so for such a trivial thing. By all views he seems to be literally crackling with energy, ready to do battle with the woman he calls Wife. There’s this low grumbling noise from him though as Cassie speaks of jolting Isis, bringing out Adrianna from the haze of Isis’ powers.

As Black Adam watches The Flash simply runs in circles. While his airflow is not encumbering Isis in her approach, is it is doing something impressive. At first it was sending the rain in all directions, but as he has gotten control of it (dice!) the vortex he is forming has begun to whirlpool the rain in to the funnel. Keeping it from going everywhere. Though some might think the life-giving rain of Isis would be something good for Coast City, those first few wretched hands that raise from the ground? Suggest something different entirely. Though, Cassie is correct for now. There is really no one around for those few Zombies that rose to get at. Yet.

Of course, Kyle Rayner might think differently a few blocks from the Battle. Born on Monday. Christened on Tuesday. Married on Wednesday….

The efforts of Shazam‘s hopeful Champion are having an effect as well. Though perhaps not immediately the one that he was hoping for. As he gives Osiris breathe, the old God struggles for freedom that much harder. Freddy can feel it. The confinement has done much the same to Osiris that it did to Isis. Seemingly it has made the old God almost mad in it’s thirst for Life. Though even as Freddy struggles with keeping himself from losing control to the God of Death, he can also feel how the words take hold on him. Osiris does look upon Isis. Takes stock of her. Sees what she is become, how she is behaving.

Unfortunately for Freddy Freeman? Osiris does not care that Isis is perverting her power for him. Or rather he cares more about his freedom than he does for Isis. It is undoubtedly a strange recognition for Freddy. He thought to use the Old God’s love to stir something. To kindle some feeling that would have Osiris join in the effort to soothe Isis. But what he finds? Is that Osiris cares not if Isis is burnt out entirely in this endeavor. Whatever it takes, he will be free.

It is only Wonder Woman that takes a more direct physical approach. Her lasso, made from a literal weave of the Golden Fleece, is put to work. Thrown out, guided and commanded by the divinity inside of her. It rarely misses it’s target, unless she is thrown off by something struggling against her control. This is no different. As he lasso finds itself at home around Isis? Cassie might well recognize immediately the problem with her plan. The lasso responds to Divinity and while she, Cassie, is descended from Zeus? She is but half the Goddess that Isis is. Even as it encloses on Isis, true lightning channels up the rope from Isis and in to Cassie. A distinct opposite reaction from what normally happens.

Of course. Freddy was trying to reach someone. It just so happens, that it isn’t Osiris that sees what he’s doing. The angle he’s going for. It’s Black Adam. Hovering there. Ready to fight for the world, even as he’s seemingly accepted the fate of his loved one. His Adrianna Tomaz. Unmoved by Cassie’s arguments at first, he sees what Freddy is doing. Who he’s trying to reach. Freddy pleads with an unhearing God for aid, but it isn’t a God who answers him. It’s the hands of Black Adam. Moving in as Wonder Woman distracts Isis. With Freeman holding one Amulet, Adam seizes the one dangling from Isis’ throat.

He’s no sooner touched it, than he says a single word: “Shazam!

More lightning. Only this is not a bolt from Cassandra’s father. It springs from the Rock of Eternity. Striking down upon Adam, upon Freddy and Isis. Both amulets. Filling the sky with a hint of Ozone. It also leaves the all-too human forms of Teth-Adam, Adrianna Tomaz and Freddy Freeman plummeting out of the sky. With no powers to save them.

Cassie: But I saw you, is of course the immediate thought. Tim had shown me the traffic camera footage, and especially seeing him now in person? I’d say there was no mistaking what I saw. I’ve had a whole lot of lessons lately, though, in how things aren’t exactly what they look like, sound like, or walk like. And I don’t think he was lying. He seems confused that I would have even asked. Which means someone else put that Amulet in Minerva’s pocket? While looking like Adam. Then there’d been the Adam in my dreams which I already know was not really him. Not a hard conclusion to jump to right there.

What Wally does? Is really impressive. Adam might have scorned him for what he was doing, but it wasn’t just an attempt to slow her. He’s sparing us a lot of the zombies, just by redirecting the rain. Saving us an awful lot of additional trouble. We’ve all got different strengths. Weaknesses that are offset by each other. Maybe this really can work… all in all? He’s a whole lot more successful than I am.

I wasn’t trying to take Isis down. Even out. I just wanted to do my attempt, useless or not, to slow her. Make her listen at best, the way I’d been able to command Grunge. Turns out it doesn’t work nearly so well. Quite the opposite in fact. Muscles tense as I’m the one that gets that jolt instead. Normally your hand recoils from heat, or pain, but when you’re electrocuted it’s the opposite. Fortunately, controlling the lariat is in large part a mental exercise. Which means that I don’t continue to get those god-volts on…and on… I’m tumbling out of the sky, body still not any more obedient to what I want it to do.

If I were thinking clearly, it probably wouldn’t have worried me as much. Hitting the ground doesn’t do a whole lot to me anymore. Especially not a normal falling speed. I make a decent crater but that’s about it. In a way, it might have been a bit of a blessing, because I’m face down and groaning when lightning fills the sky again, if my hair weren’t already on end it probably would be now. There’s still a bright, blinding after image though. And I’m barely making out the falling shapes in the sky.

“Oh, no.”

Forcing myself up fortunately doesn’t really require getting my limbs working. It’s not my most graceful, or enjoyable, flight upwards to try to snag them all, tempting as it honestly is to only save Freddy and I’m immediately ashamed tha tthe thought actually occurs to me. That’s not like me.

Wally: Wally has a unique view of the world. When he’s running, everything slows down around him. Nearly coming to a standstill. So when he finally gets the rain in a giant twister and holds it there. He’s stunned by the sheer brilliance of the lightning. But he see’s it traveling down. Yes. Down. Not up. This wasn’t normal lighting, obviously. He watches it strike Adam, then Isis, and finally Freddy Freeman. It was an incredible sight. But, then they were no longer their superhuman selves. Breaking away from the vortex, he speeds towards where everyone is falling. Through all this, he can see Wonder Woman, second by second try and catch the three.

So, Wally decides to make a vortex *here* to try and bring them all down safely. Or at least slow their descent enough for Wonder Woman to catch them. Hopefully there’s enough time for him to do this.

Also, that rain? Hopefully it’s not magiked anymore or Wally’s running isn’t going to be done any time soon.

Because Zombies are bad, Mmmkay?

Freddy: I could feel it. I could sense it. It seemed that Isis’s made desire to resurrect Osiris was matched by Osiris desire to live again. He did not care. Perhaps afterwards he would, but in this moment he could give a damn. How would she feel about that? It didn’t matter, because it all came to an abrupt end the moment Adam was able to undo what he had done. He brought down the lighting and it was broken the cycle of the moment was disrupted and Freddy found himself falling.

ST: The three of them begin to tumble. As if someone had flipped off a light switch, Black Adam & Shazam were no more. So too was Osiris gone, Isis as well. All three beings now completely human, utterly normal and frail. The two amulets literally thrum with power. All of these things drop out of the sky. Plucked from the heavens with a single word. Spoken with equal parts love for his wife and anger at what had become of her. In doing so, Black Adam made use of Freeman’s gamble. Perhaps not exactly what Freddy and Solomon had planned, but how could they have counted upon Teth-Adam doing something such as this? Him being moved by Cassandra’s words of love and what she would hope for from those she cares about.

On the ground, the Flash is ever in movement. His efforts had stopped most of the rain. Keeping it bound to a single area of the city. Then keeping the Zombies it created bound with the air flows of the vortex he created. With Isis once more restrained within the Amulet, he moves yet more. Taking his tornado with him in an effort to offer a buffet of air that would blunt the fall of the three humans. Giving Wonder Woman a chance to ‘make the save.’ With the only choice she has left, being who or what she’ll rescue. She simply lacks the appendages needed to grab all three people and both amulets.

Ah, but that is not all that has changed. Though it is unseen? As the three fall to the ground? Freddy Freeman is quite more than just unconscious. He’s there. In the Rock of Eternity. Where the Wizard awaits him. Though it is perhaps not the Wizard he knew. The young man, a boy really, awaits. His eyes still full of life and wonder. With a voice that sounds as if he were about to ask Freddy to come outside and play.

“You have many questions, Freddy, but now is not the time for you to have all of the answers. There is something greater at work here than just your Trial. This world is ‘Broken,’ so too are the Trials. They are broken, because we must have a Champion that understands not everything is as it seems. Hercules has given you his Blessing, because now you understand that Strength is not always the power to punch through walls. There is no greater strength than love, Freddy.”

“The Old Wizard is gone, for now. The way to the Sanctum, along with the door to the Rock of Eternity are closed. So they must remain for now. You’ll understand why soon enough. For now, Freddy Freeman. Awaken and say your name.”

Cassie; Fortunately I don’t really need extra appendages to catch all of them, though I could probably have done this a lot more neatly with them. Without Wally’s help, it likely still wouldn’t have been possible because I’m definitely not at my best in this moment. My muscles are slow to respond, and the result is something more like a bull rush than the gentle scooping out of the air I would have normally tried otherwise. Using my momentum to move bodies forward, rather than down, an arm snatched here that’s probably going to result in a pulled shoulder joint for Black Adam, a very sore knee and hip for Isis’ shell when I grab an ankle and maybe a bruise from my own shoulder for Freddy’s abdomen. I’m sure they’ll forgive me when they’re not crushed instead from impact with the ground.

I don’t even try to grab the Amulets as they tumble to the ground. People first. Things later. Even impossibly powerful things. Trusting to Wally’s continued currents to help get me and the rest of them to the ground a little more gently than I might otherwise manage right now. Panting for air, more thanks to the electrocuting that’s left me short of breath than any real exertion, I struggle back up again once I’ve put them down. To look for more threats whether it’s in the form of still risen zombies or…

I’m not discounting anything right now, honest.

Freddy: My eyes opened and I found myself no longer in the company of friends. “Eternity.” I had been brought here once to begin the Trials. To be deemed worthy. Worthy to begin, to be blessed by the six gods. Looking around I expect something anything perhaps a lecture, but instead I get a bright eyed kid who feels familiar, but I’m pretty sure I don’t know him. Or did I? My lips part to say something anything, but instead he’s talking like the Wizard if the Wizard was one fur coat shy of sounding like a Care Bear.

“Hercules.” This was his trial. Shutting my eyes I make a soft sound. Never stop trusting your gut. I did have questions and I wanted answers, but it’s not the first time that I heard that there was something greater at work than just my trial. For the first time in a long time I listen. I don’t say anything meaning I don’t ask questions or start letting my mind go. Instead I absorb what was shared including the fact that the Old Wizard is gone…for now. Does this mean he’s the new Wizard? The substitute Wizard?

The way to the Sanctum and the Rock of Eternity have been closed. The must remain close. Must. I focus on that, but I also focus on what he says next and I do just that opening my eyes. “SHAZAM!”

Adam: The word from Freddy’s lips is enough to rouse not just the power of Shazam, but also Adam. Though not the man that either of the two of them have seen before. Standing, albeit not as steady as he otherwise might, is not Black Adam. Nor Teth-Adam. Even like this, he still dwarfs Freddy Freeman. Theo Adam has been a worker, a soldier and a slave. He’s no mere twig of a man. Nor does he share the face of the man in the Video from the Bank. He is someone else, someone different.

With a grunt, that becomes a sickening crunch, the man forces his own shoulder back in to joint. Even as he is doing this, it’s quite clear that his eyes have begun to dart around to look at the placement of the amulets. Though the reason for that, too, might surprise the two of them. “…my thanks, for finding a way to undo what you believed that I did. Know this, though. Adam sought the Wizard’s Blessing for giving her the power of Isis.”

“With your permission, I shall take Adrianna back to our homeland. I know that you will not trust me to take both her and the amulets back to Kahndaq, so I offer you this. When you realize that you cannot keep them, but you cannot destroy them? Bring them to Kahndaq. I know how to insure they’re never misused again.”

Cassie: Freddy’s once again sudden transformation makes me stiffen in alarm, a reaction I can’t help and that makes my whole body groan at the sudden movements. It isn’t just him that’s changed, though. Adam has as well. I actually look apologetic over his shoulder, even with who he is. So it would seem the strange impulse to just let him fall hasn’t continued on to being okay with hurting him, even accidentally.

“I think that’s probably best.”

I don’t think we can really even detain him. And I don’t mean physically, either. Whether or not I trust him to make sure they’re not used poorly is up for debate, but the fact that he’s willing to not fight us for them currently? Says something.

“When we discover who has been posing as you, I will let you know as well.”

My own bit of goodwill. Mostly, though, I would want the same courtesy if someone was masquerading as me.

Freddy: Gone was the familiar and now there was…the desolate. At least that was one way of looking at it. There was promise here in Coast City. In the distance you could see the structure that was being built not to far away, but if that was a startling sight then there was who was Black Adam, but no more. He was quite different, still taller and bigger, but there was something less Adam about him. The arrogance and threatening demeanor was gone. When he spoke he sounded very different from the man who threatened my life on more than one occasion.

Not everything is as it seems. It rung in the back of my mind. Glancing towards Wonder Woman when he spoke of the amulets. I rather be rid of them, but for the moment I think we should do as he says. Something tells me that we need to just take it a step at a time. I know I needed to regroup. With our permission?

“The let this be the end of it for now. Return home. See to Adrianna. She’s been through a lot. You both have. When the time comes we will come to Kahndaq.” The amulets were still a danger. Right now I rather not tempt fate if I could manage it. “Safe journey.” Masquerading as him, that was different, but it does track with a few things. Right now I could go for a burger.

Adam: “He was not lying when said they can be destroyed, with great effort. Should they be? The Gods are important. Even if people in this age don’t understand the way they once did. Though those two may be broken, they are ageless. Who is to say they cannot be healed?”

There is no more to be said about though. While he could surely transform and renew the battle for the Amulets, there is little to be gained in doing so. He no longer seeks them for their power, no longer believes they would be what is best for Adrianna or her brother. At least, not right now. Not yet. Perhaps in the future, when the Gods within are more… sane. Which means that there is nothing to be gained, when time can be given to these two in order to earn their trust perhaps. Or at least their respect.

Even with the injured shoulder and lacking the power of the Gods, Theo is able to scoop the limp form of Adrianna up off the ground as if she weighed no more than a child. As he does, he takes a moment to acknowledge what Cassie has said. “I would appreciate that. Strange powers are at work. This Country’s problems have begun a domino effect all over the world. This clandestine group, that killed the former Champion. They left the world of Magic unprotected.”

“Some might think that merely happenstance, but neither I, nor Black Adam believe in coincidence. Be on your Guard and know that all three of you are equally welcome in Kahndaq. You will find sanctuary there, should you need it.”

A final nod of the head to the would be Champion and the Demigoddess. Much like before, he takes only a moment more to look over the Speedster, almost as if he wants to say something more to him specifically. Then with a whispered ‘Shazam’, the more feeble Theo is gone once more. Replaced by a figure that doesn’t even deign to look at them, before taking to the air and heading away at a speed that isn’t much slower than the Flash.

Cassie: I don’t know that they should be destroyed. It was only really even a question I’d posed because there had seemed to be limited options at the time, and I was fishing for an answer. Destroying a God is… not something you’d think you should be able to do. Not to mention that power has to go somewhere. The resulting potential for disaster? World destroying when you’re talking two of them. And for the moment, it’s no longer needed. I’m not a destroyer. I’m a hero.

“I’m starting to feel much the same way. Thank you for the offer.”

Once Black Adam’s out of sight? I let my knees go. Which drops me rather unceremoniously on my spangly ass in the rubble around us. Everything still feels like not fully solidified jell-o right now. They say you should experience a taser, before you attempt to apply it to anyone else. Well. Now I know, I suppose. Finally catching my breath, or at least making an attempt at it.

“Your face… looks like what I’m thinking. I need a milkshake. Before we do that, I think we should make a trip back to Metropolis. All of us.”

Because people will want to know what happened. And the answers are going to not just come from Wonder Woman this time.

Freddy: I meant what I said and what I thought. I did not want to see them destroyed. I rather try to find a way to help,. Right now as they are I think they’re driven by instinct more than anything. Osiris could care less if Isis survived or not. He wanted freedom more than anything just as Isis wanted him back more than anything.

I don’t know what’s more scary the fact that this guy is likable more so than Black Adam or the fact that I said almost the same thing to Conner and Cassie in the library. That when Billy Batson died that threw everything out of order. I had so many questions, but I knew answers weren’t coming not by a long shot, but it was obvious someone was taking advantage of the fact that there was no Champion and that magic was broken. It almost made me wonder if they didn’t have a hand in setting it all in motion.

“Will do and you do the same.” I’m sure he will, but it still needed to be said. “Thank you for the invitation.” Khandaq. That would be different.

Returning the nod I watch as Theo transforms to everyone’s “lovable” ready to murder you superhuman. I didn’t expect anything from him, but the fact that he didn’t call me a foolish child, shake me like a rag doll or threaten to murder me…..let’s call that progress for about five minutes.

“Milkshake and burger, but you’re right. We need to let everyone know we’re ok. See how bad the damage is and compare notes.” I know always with the comparing of notes.

Cassie: “More than that. I mean. Yes, we need to let them know we’re okay, but we need to let everyone know what we did tonight. Together. So, gentlemen, you have until we get back to Metropolis, because I’m nicer than Superman. And I’m not going to put you on the spot, on camera, and make you pick your name in three seconds.”

I think Flash has his picked, but I don’t know for sure what Freddy wants to be called. And I have until we all get there to decide what, and how, I’m going to say it.

Good thing I’m the slow one, here.

Freddy: “Oh..” That part. I thought we were supposed to be doing this together. Helping each other out. Arching my brow I nodded. “Alright. Until we get back to Metropolis.” Though I was pretty sure I had name. At least that’s what the substitute Wizard said. Yes, that’s what I was going to call him. I’m pretty sure that it wasn’t all in my head and even if it was I’m still going with that.

“You wanted to be called something other than Wonder Woman?” I glance over at Cassie considering that. “What would you have picked?” Oh yeah she was probably going to get peppered with questions from both me and Wally.

Batman: “Alternatively. You can take the Invisible Jet.”

When did Batman get here? It’s best if you don’t ask that question. Or even think about it. Just accept the cellphones that are being offered and load in to the plane that you can’t really see. Other than the open-door and Alfred Pennyworth waving everyone up the marginally visible ramp.

Cassie: “…I dunno. Actually. My choice started with things that I didn’t want to be called, and then went from there. It’s. Kind of grown on me now, though.”

“…Batman. Thanks for bring th…my jet.”

When did Batman get here? I’m not going to ask that, I know better. Also I’m actually incredibly happy for both the phone, and the ride. And the time that’s going to allow for speech prep. He’s still getting some side-eye as I go up the ramp though.

Revolution: In the Beginning…

Tonight, we come to the home of one Lucy Lane, one that has been doing her best to make her father proud of her. Reckless in her youth and the family wild child Lucy has always been the apple of her father’s eye.  Though her misadventures had caused her father much heartburn it seemed that she was ready to as her sister had always wanted her to do, grow up so to speak.   Of course, it was a case of the pot calling the kettle black as her older sister Lois had seen her fair share of misadventures, but it seemed that Lucy was always to get away with just a little bit more than Lois could. Why no one truly knew, but truth be told both of General Sam Lane’s daughters felt pressure from their father and each found ways to rebel, each in different ways.

Lucy smoke, drank and dated boys they were no good for her. At least that was the way her father saw it.  Lois chose to speak truth to power much to the chagrin of her father and when she found herself in the company of Superman.  Well, that pushed him over the edge.  She fought his support of Luthor tooth and nail and continued to rail against the star of Metropolis every chance she got.  As a journalist she used the power of the pen to present a fair and balanced view Lex Luthor in hopes that it would open her father’s eyes to the man he was and how America would be worse off for it.

It should have come to no surprise that professionally Lois Lane continued to report the news as it happened doing her very best not to allow her opinion to jeopardize her journalistic integrity.  However, privately Lucy watched as she railed against her father when he endorsed Lex Luthor for President when he went to the convention to speak of him in glowing terms it was akin to driving a stake through Lois heart.  For the first time Lucy Lane could see that her family was falling apart, so she took to action attempting to broker an armistice between her sister and her father.

She tried at least.  She wanted to announce that she would be returning to school to finish getting her degree.  Despite the fact that they did not agree politically they could be a family.  They loved one another as much as a family could despite the strained relations.  This is what she wanted, but what she received was more accusations, mutual frustration from both parties and general unpleasantness. What sent Lois over the edge was the statement that her father made regarding her support of Superman that he was the anti-Luthor it was probably all that she saw because her view of Luthor was quite myopic.

It was probably bit more biting that that.  Of course, that lead to the Cold War that settled between the two of them. They didn’t speak and naturally you were not to speak to one about the other.  As much as she wanted to leave it all behind Lucy became the one to bind them together as best she could.   Which meant visiting Lois at least once a month having Sunday dinners with her father.

When he arrived she was delighted to see him, as she had been the last several months.  She had recently begun seeing someone that made her delightfully happy.  Lois could even see it when she came to Metropolis. He had become a sounding board for her.  It didn’t start out that way, but she caught his eye on campus one day and they began seeing one another.

He was a physics student, talented one at that.  It was something that he and her father could talk about as he would go over some of the things he read recently and slowly her father began to respond to his comments as they spoke about theories.  Which surprised Lucy. Her father was around individuals that were like her boyfriend.  He actually started to become a translator.  He didn’t share what he was working on, but there were terms and theories that he didn’t understand that Lucy’s boyfriend was able to break down for him.

Then it happened, Sam Lane began to open up to his daughter and talk about how difficult it was for him to not speak to Lois.  Father and daughter grew closer so much so that her father brought a colleague of his to dinner a few times.  Someone he thought could use a home cooked meal and Lucy seemed to delight in doing them because it meant something to her she had begun to connect it to family.   Something that she hadn’t had before.  She had family, but the feeling, normal family dinners.  It was something that they lost when they lost her mother.
She would have never thought that it was something had wanted, but when the doorbell rang she smiled. “Babe, they’re here!”  She called out a she answered the door.

“Dad.” There was bright beaming smile upon her face as she leaned in to give her father a hug.  She gave his friend a salute.  “Captain Adam.”

“Miss Lane,” he replied back after returning her mock salute. “Good to see you as always.”

“I told you.  You can call me, Lucy.”  She said with a smile.  “You can head back to den.  He’s finishing up a paper.  He said he wanted to talk to you to, Dad, but I wanted to steal you first.”   She slipped her arm into General arm walking towards the kitchen with him.

“How’s the project coming.  I know you can’t talk about it, but good bad? Success?”  She smiled looking down at the table. “He finished the calculations for you like he promised.  He said that they had a few lines wrong. He said that the simulations should go through without a problem now.”

Sam smiled.  “Lucy, you make it sound like I’m just here for your boyfriend’s help.”  Which was and wasn’t true. It started with a few problems that the project was having, and he happened to mention when he came through frustrated.  An offer was made and now he was back on track.

“I’m just teasing, Dad.” She grinned walking into the kitchen with him.

In the back of the apartment, Captain Nathaniel Adam knocked on the door pushing it open smiling over towards Lucy’s boyfriend who had offered several insights about the work he was doing and what it meant.

“Lucy’s looking very happy as is the General. He says you have us on track.”  Nathaniel offered as he moved towards the large oversized chair in the room to take a seat.  “I think everything is going well.”

On the floor beside Lucy’s boyfriend were copies of the Daily Planet and the Gotham Gazette along with papers from Central City, Star City, Fawcett City and many others.

Reaching for the cup of tea and spoon the table beside him Nathaniel watched as the other slipped the spoon into the cup drag it slowly around the rim a bit before giving it a few slight taps, three to be exact causing Nathaniel stopped talking.

Shortly thereafter the door shut and the man began to speak, but it was a mix of two voices as another man slid beside Lucy’s boyfriend as if he was whispering the words that the other was to say to Nathaniel.

“Good.  Let’s talk your progress.”   Standing from his seat he smiled over at him.  “There’s still a lot of work to do.   They’re going to be watching your every move.  Looking for signs of weakness, instability and betrayal.   I need you to be the man are.  Honest. Earnest.  They are looking for a new kind of weapon.  I’m looking for a beacon of hope.  Someone they can send down in a ticker tape parade.   Someone the President can be proud of.  All of them can be proud of.   Someone that will make them less afraid, because their always afraid and because their afraid they’ll want to control you.”

The second man was completely ignored by Lucy’s boyfriend, but when he spoke his words were spoken by Lucy’s boyfriend as if they were his own.

“M’gann and Raven will come and they will search for anything that’s been done, but no we can’t have that.  No betrayals.  You will show them the kind of man you are before and the one after.  You will be the puppet that General Lane and Welling need you to be.  They need to prove themselves.   One alien means there are more.  The world must be ready.   All bets are off.    They clamor for control, but you know what I want Captain Adam?~

Simon stood behind the high back chair with his back against it waiting for the word to be spoken by Nathaniel.

“A revolution.”

“Yes. A revolution and you will be the shot that will be heard around the world when it’s all said and done.  When the dust clears, but right now let’s begin. Starting with the first date and the name.  Tell me of the others.  Tell me their names.  Tell me when they were taken.  Tell me when they died.  Tell me why.  Tell me how.  It’s the only way you will remember them.  Don’t worry.  Lucy and General Lane will understand if we’re a bit late.”

Simon shut his eyes and began to implant the images of the others that had lost their lives to N.O.W.H.E.R.E over the years as Captain Adams and Lucy’s boyfriend discussed their “work.”

Pressing against the back of the chair Simon nodded upon hearing what he wanted to hear from Nathaniel.   Parting his lips he spoke the words that as told to Nathaniel by his mouthpiece.  He was no one.  As far as anyone was concerned he was A. FOAF, a concerned global citizen.

“Yes. A revolution and you will be the shot that will be heard around the world when it’s all said and done.  When the dust clears, but right now let’s begin. Starting with the first date and the name.  Tell me of the others.  Tell me their names.  Tell me when they were taken.  Tell me when they died.  Tell me why.  Tell me how.  It’s the only way you will remember them.  Don’t worry.  Lucy and General Lane will understand if we’re a bit late.”

Simon shut his eyes and began to implant the images of the others that had lost their lives to N.O.W.H.E.R.E over the years as Captain Adams and Lucy’s boyfriend discussed their “work.”

Special Edition:  Museum Mayhem Aftermath

Special Edition: Museum Mayhem Aftermath

JACKSON: It was the assignment that no one wanted.  Another exhibit being brought into the Metropolis Museum of Art.  When Perry’s door opened to try and get someone to cover the assignment all the seasoned reporters made themselves scarce or had already been assigned.  Rather than waiting for it to be assigned I took a little initiative and volunteered for the assignment.  Which Mister White found a bit surprising and he was a little unsure that he wanted an intern covering the story, but I thought I had been here long enough to do the piece.

Most called I fluff.  Who cared about Kahndaq.  Relations with the country was tense at best and it wasn’t like anyone of importance would be there to ask questions besides the museum curator who I considered to be an important person.  Whether I won him over or he was tired of looking at my face I got the assignment. I would be responsible for the entire article start to finish including a few pictures.  I considered myself lucky so much so that I started doing my research a few days in advance of the actual interview.  Standard fair along with a few extra questions I thought I could toss in.   I would take my notes, take pictures, and show Mister White that I was quite capable.

He thought he would throw me a bone and ask Olsen to come with to make sure that I didn’t embarrass the paper, because most of the work I had done so far was mostly blog post on the Planet’s online edition.  However, this was going to make into the paper.  I was pretty sure that I was going to be able to make it happen, but Jimmy got snagged for another assignment.

Something about showing Mister White’s new assistant the ropes.  Didn’t matter I was confident that I could handle assignment. What was the worst that could happen?

That’s how it started that bright lovely afternoon. I was already in the museum taking a few pictures of the exhibit when the storm gathered the rather odd storm.  That’s when it all went downhill.  What was supposed to be a standard piece turned into a survive the night situation.

One moment things seemed to be in order the next as I was on my way to meet Dr. Sandsmark the next there were people who were yelling and screaming?  Why?  It seems that the museums exhibits had come to life, and while many of them appeared that they would come to life, because of their authenticity, they were literally coming to the life. Like Night at the Museum come to life without any of the snappy banter.  Snappy banter had been replaced with life threatening danger.

Joshua told me to fit in.  To be the student. To be the intern. To keep my nose clean.  I was doing that and here I was in a situation that looked all too familiar.

”Garth, this is neither the time or place this.”

“Bring it down a level, Kaldur.  I’ve learned a few things.  Just want to test it out.  You’re always telling me I shouldn’t be afraid of what I can do.  Of my magic.  I’m taking your advice….”

It had been a quick flash it came and it went, the sounds of scream from the children were enough to spur me into action.  They needed to get clear of the building which meant getting them, their chaperones and teachers out of harm’s way.

Boring assignment.  Anything but. If asked about it I would discuss it with Joshua, but he couldn’t fault me for doing what I could…you know picking up anything I could to be back whatever exhibits I could. I’m sure the museum would put out a statement of some kind which I would be there to get but if they wanted to continue to receive patronage it would probably be best if the exhibits didn’t hurt, maim and in some instances, eat their patrons.

In some cases, there were items used within reach to help me and when they seemed to not cooperate water pressure built in some areas bursting pipes to provide the cover and distraction that was needed to get the various people that I came across out of danger.   I focused on the area I was in.  Any more and I might get a lecture if not worse.   I might have to leave the city and I rather not do that though some security cameras might catch slightly unnatural movement of water once it escaped the pipes.

Within the hour things seemed to calm down and started to return to normal as the storm began to retreat from the area.  There was this need to investigate instead I took pictures and told Mister White that I would be in with information as soon as possible, but it was probably best if I stayed in the area to get a few more firsthand accounts and quotes from people in the area.

I had a story to tell and right now it seemed that a boring assignment might…might get me on the front page.  Which may or may not be a good thing.

I don’t know if that screamed low profile like Joshua wanted.  Either way I took some time to meet with anyone that was gathered around the museum to get their stories.  I had my press pass, so it was completely legitimate.

TARA: Tara would on most occasions not be caught dead in a museum or even near one. To say she found little of value in the lessons to be learned there would be an understatement. She had never much cared for school back during her time in the lab she had grown up in, despite her mother’s attempts to make it fun. At the end of the day she was still confined and still always being watched.

So the cold and clean environment of a museum only served to remind her of a less then ideal time. Today however she had accidentally found herself at the Metropolis Museum of Art entirely due to her lack of familiarity with her new home. Normally she made use of whatever app she could find directions on whatever phone she was currently using, today that plan did not work out.

“Damn it…work you piece of..”

Stopping mid rant about the stolen phones failing battery as all hell broke loose outside of the museum. Still outside at the time Tara glanced up once and immediately knew what she had to do. Run.

“Nooooope!”

Making a quick about face Tara made to escape when everything went white. When next she awoke she found herself sitting on a curb her jacket sitting on her shoulders as an EMT looked at the gash on her forehead.

“I think you’ll be fine miss….?”

Narrowing her eyes at the well meaning medic she consider the question a moment before answering, best not to give her real name.

“Zoey.”

Nodding he continues to look over her wound ignoring the vulgar muttering of his current patient.

JACKSON:  I was in the middle of finishing my interview with one of the individuals while her grandmother partook of the oxygen they had available.  She had left her tank in the museum in all the commotion.  Not something you would want to think about.  Her grandmother was going to be fine, but she needed a moment while the commotion died down.

While most of the other reporters were held back at the perimeter that had been created I was able to get more information from individuals as I was part of of one of the groups that came out of the museum.  Some of the other people in the immediate area that had come out of the museum spoke about a man in the sky and a woman with a rather fiery temperament going back and forth.  Someone got a picture of the one in the air, but not of the woman, but then he rushed inside.  I made a bid on the picture to have it transferred to my phone provided the with the number so they could be compensated.  I got another picture of the woman from another bystander securing the photos for the planet.

I move on when I hear the vulgar muttering.  I speak to the EMT’s partner to get his perspective

“Jackson Hyde. I’m with the Daily Planet. I was hoping to get a few quotes for the story.  Can you describe the scene as you approached the area?  I was told that you were part of the first response team.”    The EMT looked at me and I flashed the Press Pass, because let’s face it they knew who the reporters were in the city and I didn’t look like any of them.   However, upon seeing the press pass he began to open up about the scene as they approached how angry the sky looked, but it was unlike anything he had seen before.  The storm was centered over the museum and no where else, almost like it was deliberate.

TARA:  “Are you shitting me!?”

Tara said with a low but forceful tone as the EMT leaves her sitting unattended. Reaching into the jackets inner pocket to find the phone that had brought her to weird shit central it’s battery had completely died by this point but it’s wasn’t completely useless.

Holding the screen up just so to use the screen to catch her reflection she tries to see just how bad the damage was. Bringing a finger up to touch the gash over her eye Tara winces at the contact and starts cursing again as the contact causes a small trickle of blood to run down her face.

“HEY. I might be dying over her pal…what happened anyway?”

Looking around where she was siting her eye falls on a bloody jagged rock laying on the grass near her. A rock. Tara of all people had been taken out by a rock.

JACKSON:  I was speaking to his partner so I didn’t see the other EMT get up to stop what he was doing to see what was going on.  “I think your patient is calling.”  Screeching is more like it.  The last thing I wanted was to get in the way of anyone doing anything.  I stop my digital recorder before turning my attention to the woman that had the gash on her forehead.

“Not sure yet.  Conflicting stories.  Some thought it was ghosts.  Others say aliens, but it sounds like there was a metahuman dust up occurred out here.  Not quite sure what went on in the museum, but it sounds like it could be related.”

I step back so the EMT can get back to what he was doing. He got a little chewed out by his partner.  He was supposed to be taking care of the woman. They needed to clean her up and probably take her in for some stitches.

“Don’t think we’ve seen anything like this in Metropolis in a while.”  Sure you heard about Superman and Wonder Woman sightings in the city, but this was something entirely different from a robbery gone wrong. “Sounds like the rumors are true.   Superheroes are on the rise again.”

TARA:  Despite her protest about being ignored Tara bats at the hands of the returning EMT, before relenting and holding up both her hands to signal her surrender to his efforts. He takes it all in stride and wipes away the blood being careful not to touch the wound itself and cause further bleeding. Tara keeps her hands up the entire time only lowering them when he finishes.

“Well ain’t that grand…look at this place.”

Pausing a moment as she has a new thought about things a clearly more important thing.

“Look at me!”

As she raises her voice Tara tries to stand stumbling a bit in the process but remaining in her feet. She hadn’t really looked around the scene since she had woken up on the sidewalk, she did now.

“Super idiots is more like it.”

JACKSON: “It has seen better days.  I’m afraid that it was a lot worse inside at least that’s what I’ve been told.   I haven’t been allowed back inside since I was evacuated from the museum.”  It makes me wish that I had done more, but I have my orders.   So instead I lean towards what I’ve been trained to do report the news.

“I heard that there were a few fatalities, but there haven’t been any confirmations yet.  Either way this is definitely going to leave a mark on the city.”  Things were going to get a bit tense with individuals that felt that meatahumans caused more problems than they solved.

“All of it was a bit odd and that’s putting it lightly.  Exhibits attacking people inside, meteorological events outside.”

TARA:  “Meta humans…are just the worst.”

That said she chucks the dead phone over her shoulder and then uses her now free hand to find the pack of cigarettes from the pocket on the other side of her jacket. Seeing the expression on one of the EMT’s gives her Tara flashes her middle finger at the man before sending the hand back into the pocket for the lighter.

“Do not lecture me okay. I am having the worst…wooooorst day.”

Quickly lighting the cigarette and taking a drag she blows the smoke away from the group around her,see she could be a little courteous. Today had not gone at all like she had expected.

JACKSON:  Commenting isn’t what I was here to do.  i was here to see what people said and it seemed that this was someone that had something to say about it.  How much who knew.

The EMT said nothing at first, but pointed out the fact that if she didn’t want her gash to scar she was going to have to go to the hospital to get that stitched up and there was no smoking in the ambulance.  Simple as that.   He resumed his work and unfortunately for everyone the wind was blowing in her face sending the smoke of her cigarette right in their direction.

Win-win for no one.

“Do you mind if I ask you remember anything?  Were you in the museum?”  Back to doing my job.  Despite the gash it was at must superficial. Probably wasn’t pleasant and it’s not anything anyone would want to experience, but her skull wasn’t cracked so there was that.  I had seen a few other injuries that made hers look like child’s play, but no one goes out looking to get injured unless they’re into that.

TARA:   Tara had no intention of going to the hospital, she liked them even less then museums. The smell alone brought up the worst of her memories of childhood. She didn’t much like the idea of having a scar but going to a hospital usually meant answering questions and that she would not do.

“I was outside I wasn’t even going to the museum…just passing through.

Reading the room so to speak Tara puts out the cigarette it keeps it between her fingers, sometimes that helped the cravings.

“Anywho..it’s time I hit the road. Watch your ass dude.”

Sliding an arm into the sleeve of the coat that had till now been sitting on her shoulders Tara slides her other arm into the second sleeve as she begins walking away.

“Watch out for those super heroes could be anywhere.”

Gesturing with a pair of fingers a she walks off despite the EMTs protests.

JACKSON:  “So you had a clear view of what happened on the inside.”  I was about to ask her if she would like to give her account, but she was already getting up to leave. It seemed that she wanted to get as far away from her as she could.  I couldn’t fault her for that.  Though from the look of things she must have been here when it began.   Most of the other people that was around the museum were brought back to the perimeter that had been created.  Given everything that happen it definitely could have been a lot worse.

“Those are the times we live in.”  Super heroes are a fact of life.  How it’s handle only time will tell, but it will be interesting to see what happens next.

The EMTs were unfazed by her reaction they had pretty much seen it all when it came to people they tried to help.  Some welcomed it some not so much.  Either way he had a story to get ready for print.

There was also another item that he wanted to speak to Ms. Sandsmark about.  He still wanted to do the story on the Kahndaq exhibit, but there was another piece of business that he wanted to talk to her about.